NCJ Number
153934
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This booklet provides information for parents to help them deal with their child's possible involvement with alcohol.
Abstract
Underage drinking applies to "anyone who uses alcohol and is younger than the legal age limit for buying alcoholic beverages." In all 50 States, this refers to anyone under age 21. Statistics show that by their senior year in high school, a majority of students are drinking regularly, and many drink to get drunk. The media significantly influence attitudes toward alcoholic beverages and what they symbolize. Since parents' behaviors and values relative to alcohol use are significant in the behaviors their children develop, this booklet provides questions that will enable parents to evaluate their behaviors and attitudes regarding alcohol use. Four "do's" and "don'ts" for parents are outlined. Questions and answers about alcohol that parents might want to share with their children are included. These questions and answers provide significant information about various alcoholic beverages, their effects on behavior, and some myths about sobering up. Guidelines are also provided for parents on how to recognize whether a child is using alcoholic beverages. Some signs are the smell of alcohol on the child, cigarette smoking (teenagers who smoke almost certainly drink), aggressive behavior, drop in grades, and long-lasting depression. Six recommendations guide parents in what to do if a child has been drinking. Places where parents can get help are listed.