What Can I do to Prevent Underage Drinking?
Teens Make the choice to not drink! Remember...most teens choose not to drink alcohol. You are not alone! Find support from others who have also made the same choice.
Let your friends and peers know you do not drink. Even though they might not show it, they will respect you for making that decision and sticking to it no matter what.
Join or set up a youth leadership group at your school. Organize alcohol-free events.
Show your peers you can have fun without drinking - have parties at your house, plan group events, etc.
If you have friends who drink, talk to them about their choice in a non-threatening, non-judgmental way and still be friends. Offer to help them make the right choice by doing things together that don't involve alcohol.
Join an Oregon Together group to help change community norms
Set clear rules and consequences about alcohol
Talk to you children about alcohol and listen to them. They know where and when underage drinking happens and how easy it is to obtain alcohol and drugs.
Know your child’s friends and their parents. Talk to them about the rules in their house and make sure you all agree.
Know where your children are going. If it is a party, will there be any adults there to supervise?
Set a good example as an adult or parent
Keep any alcohol you have at home locked up or stored away.
Support your child. Even if they choose to drink, let them know they can call you and you will help them. Save the lectures and punishments for later when everyone has had a chance to calm down.
Trust your child to follow the rules you have established together.
As an adult, let the other students in the neighborhood know that you are available to help them should they choose to drink, but that you will inform their parents.
Meet with your local city or county commissioners or mayor to talk about your concerns. They need to know where minors are able to get alcohol in the community. Here are some things you can consider doing:
-Use LOCAL regulations and land use powers to control the number of outlets and advertising. -Use PROMOTION regulations to reduce exposure to alcohol - ban billboards and ads, restrict or ban outdoor advertising, ban alcohol sponsorship or advertising at family events. -Use PRODUCT regulations to reduce access to alcohol. -Use PRICE regulations to reduce alcohol consumption.
-Use LOCAL regulations and land use powers to control the number of outlets and advertising.
-Use PROMOTION regulations to reduce exposure to alcohol - ban billboards and ads, restrict or ban outdoor advertising, ban alcohol sponsorship or advertising at family events.
-Use PRODUCT regulations to reduce access to alcohol.
-Use PRICE regulations to reduce alcohol consumption.
For more information, go to: http://www.theantidrug.com/ and http://www.faceitparents.com/