Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Teen drinking can lead to serious and fatal results, among them: motor vehicle crashes, drownings, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, or failure at school. Many teens do not understand the effects of alcohol, and falsely believe they can quickly "sober up" by drinking coffee and other beverages with caffeine or by getting fresh air. Many teens accept rides from friends who have been drinking.

Each year, junior and senior high school students in the United States drink 1.1 billion cans of beer and consume 35% of the wine coolers produced. Teens who drink often purchase alcohol without being asked for ID. Others use a fake ID, ask friends or siblings to make the purchase, or take it from the family liquor cabinet.

Parents need to openly discuss alcohol with their children. Many teens drink to cope with peer pressure, school performance issues, or to make decisions. Providing teens with an alternative outlet for these pressures and fears may help.

Here are some tips to guide parents:

• Teach that strong people do not "follow the crowd" if the crowd is acting irresponsible. Real friends don’t pressure each other to drink.
• Teach the facts early. By the fourth grade, 35% of children report having been pressured to drink. Not all teens drink. Half of the 20 million teenagers in the United States don’t drink alcohol.
• Stress that alcohol is a drug, and drinking under age 21 is illegal.
• Set clear rules about alcohol, being consistent with discipline when rules are broken.
• Be a positive role model. Teenagers with positive role models and high self-esteem are less likely to drink.

For more information, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 257-3612.