Underage Drinking

Research clearly shows that strong parental disapproval is the #1 reason why teens choose not to drink alcohol.

While it’s true that overall rates of teen drinking have gone down and real progress has been made in reducing alcohol use by minors, underage drinking remains a persistent problem.

According to the 2020 Illinois Youth Survey administered at Barrington High School, the majority of the teens in our community are making healthy choices not to drink alcohol. But, 33% of high school seniors, 16% of juniors, 13% of sophomores and 11% of freshman reported drinking alcohol in the prior 30 days. If asked about drinking alcohol in the past year, those numbers go up to 48%, 34%, 28% and 26% respectively. 

Alcohol is by far the most frequently used drug by Barrington High School students. 

BUT, THERE’S GOOD NEWS… 

When teens were asked to rank the major influences in their lives, parents are #1 and family #2, before their friends and other influences. Over 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision to drink or not drink.

And there’s more good news. Did you know that teens who regularly eat together with their family are less likely to use alcohol? Building those strong family connections are critical to supporting your child’s healthy decision-making.

It’s better to talk with kids before they are exposed to alcohol and other drugs. When parents talk with their children directly and honestly early and often about alcohol and other drugs, they are more likely to respect their rules and advice, protecting them from many of the high-risk behaviors associated with using these drugs.

Here are some tips to help:

  • Show that you disapprove of underage drinking and establish clear family expectations and rules when it comes to underage drinking and substance use. Clear rules will help your child to make good choices.
  • Get to know your child’s friends and their families.
  • Show that you care about your child’s happiness and well-being. They are more likely to listen to you when they know that you are on their side.Try to reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink—not just because you say so, but because you want your child to be happy and safe.
  • Make sure your teen’s social environments are alcohol and substance free.
  • Know where your teen is spending his or her time.
  • Get involved and show interest in your child’s life. Talk about school, their friends, interests, music, etc. – the things that they are interested in.
  • Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding and saying no to underage drinking.

Be sure to check out our other resources to help you and your child including:

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