Why Mental Health Matters for Underage Drinking Prevention

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect and talk openly about emotional well-being. This is especially true for kids and tweens. Mental health isn’t just about managing feelings; it plays a powerful role in how young people cope with stress, make decisions, and avoid risky behaviors like underage drinking. 

We know that when kids feel supported emotionally and have healthy coping skills, they are more likely to say “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to unhealthy choices like underage drinking and underage cannabis use. 

Kids are Feeling Pressure

Today’s kids are growing up in a world filled with school demands, social media, and peer pressure. It’s no surprise that many are feeling overwhelmed. According to Responsibility.org’s 2025 Parents and Kids Survey, 59% of kids worry about stress or anxiety, and 44% say they’re worried about their mental health. Parents are noticing it too, with more than three out of four expressing concern about their child’s stress, anxiety, mental health, and emotional well-being.  

During adolescence, the parts of their brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and stress management are still developing. This makes kids more sensitive to stress and more vulnerable to unhealthy coping strategies. Supporting mental health during these critical years can help kids navigate challenges and avoid risky behaviors like underage drinking.  

Mental Health and Underage Drinking Prevention are Connected

Mental health challenges and substance use often go hand in hand. Research shows that stress, anxiety, and other mental health struggles are associated with a higher likelihood of substance misuse, while alcohol and cannabis can also worsen mental health symptoms over time.  

Alcohol is especially harmful to the developing brain. It can interfere with emotional regulation, memory, and judgment, making it harder for kids to manage stress and make healthy decisions. Helping kids understand how alcohol affects both their developing brain and mental health gives them another strong reason to stay alcohol- and substance-free.  

Family Conversations Make a Difference

One of the most powerful tools parents and caregivers have is conversation. Kids are more likely to avoid alcohol when they feel trusted, heard, and supported. In fact, parents are the #1 influence on their kid’s decision to drink, or not drink alcohol.  

Our Ask, Listen, Learn mental health resources encourage families to start these conversations early and keep them going. Talking about mental health at home helps normalize emotions, reduce stigma, and build trust. Starting these conversations early allows kids to feel comfortable reaching out before turning to unhealthy coping strategies. These resources focus on helping adults: 

• Talk about mental health at home in age-appropriate, supportive ways. 

• Model positive mental health behaviors, like healthy stress management. 

• Recognize signs that a child may be struggling. 

• Know what to do if a child experiences a mental health crisis. 

Classroom Instruction Reinforces Positive Mental Health Behaviors

When kids learn about healthy ways to manage their mental health at home and at school, they’re more empowered to say “NO” to underage drinking and underage cannabis use. The latest additional to the Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix underage drinking prevention curriculum is designed to help students understand the connection between mental health, brain development, and risky behaviors like underage drinking and underage cannabis use. Through this content, students learn:  

• How mental health relates to the developing brain.  

• Healthy strategies for coping with stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.  

• The impact of underage drinking and underage cannabis use on mental health.  

• When and how to seek help from a trusted adult.  

Empowering Kids to Say “Yes” to a Healthy Lifestyle

Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that prevention starts well before kids are faced with making decisions about alcohol or other substances. It starts with connection, understanding, and empowerment. 

When kids feel supported emotionally, they’re better equipped to handle challenges, build resilience, and make confident decisions. By prioritizing mental health, parents and educators help kids say “YES” to healthy coping strategies and “NO” to underage drinking and underage cannabis use. 

Explore the collection of Ask, Listen, Learn mental health and underage drinking prevention family resources as well as Responsibility.org’s mental health resources to start or continue the conversation today. Together, we can support kids’ mental well-being and help them grow into healthy adults.