How To Talk To Your Kids About Underage Drinking

Research shows that parents are the number one reason young people decide not to drink alcohol.

So, even though talking about underage drinking can be intimidating, there are many good reasons to do it.

Dial Help Prevention Coordinator Kevin Weir said, “Ten percent of 12-year-olds report that they have tried alcohol, and by the time they’re 15, that number goes up to 50 percent. Research also shows that about 80 percent of kids between the ages of 10 and 18 report that their parents should have a say in their alcohol choices.”

“Talk: They Hear You” is a town hall style event put on by Dial Help and other local agencies for parents and caregivers of school age children and younger.

It’s based on a national campaign that encourages parents to talk to their kids about underage drinking.

Weir said, “We’re also going to be talking about adolescent brain development. We will have a pediatrician there to kind of give us a little bit of an overview of what’s going on in there when we’re teenagers and how that can influence alcohol choices.”

The event takes place at the Portage Lake District Library on July 26th.

There is no cost to attend but space is limited so they recommend registering in advance.

Here is more information on the program:

Talk. They Hear You. A Community Conversation

 July 26, 2016

6:00pm – 7:30pm

Portage Lake District Library, Houghton

Have you talked to your child about underage drinking? The sooner you talk to your children about alcohol, the greater chance you have of influencing their decisions.

About 10% of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number jumps to 50%. Young people who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol problems as adults than those that began drinking at age 21 or older.

Research shows that parents are the number one reason young people decide not to drink alcohol. In fact around 80% of kids feel that parents should have a say in whether they drink. Kids who have conversations with their parents and learn about the dangers of alcohol and drug use are 50% less likely to use alcohol and drugs than those who don’t have such conversations.

Talking to your kids about alcohol and drugs can be a daunting and intimidating task, but it doesn’t have to be. Dial Help, Houghton/Keweenaw Communities That Care, & Great Lakes Recovery Centers are inviting parents and caregivers to a special Town Hall style event entitled, Talk. They Hear You. The event will take place on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at the Portage Lake District Library Community Room. The event runs from 6pm until 7:30pm and there is no cost to attend.

Learn about:

• Consequences of underage drinking
• Adolescent brain development
• Tips for starting the conversation with your child
• Answering  tough questions surrounding alcohol
• Being a positive role model
• Community Resources

Registration is encouraged, and will help immensely with our planning. Space is limited and take home packets will be provided to the first 30 registrants. Please call Dial Help at (906) 482-9077 to register, be sure to have your t-shirt size handy when you call.

Additional support for this event is provided by the Northcare Network, Copper Country United Way, and Portage Lake District Library.