Shine a Spotlight on Keeping Kids Alcohol Free
October 23-31 is Red Ribbon Week, and we want to shine a spotlight on what’s working to keep kids alcohol- and substance-free. Alcohol consumption among America’s teens is at or near record low levels, so this Red Ribbon Week we want to encourage you to keep doing these 5 things, because what you’re doing is working!
Continue the Conversation
When conversations go up, underage drinking declines! Our research shows that most parents (93%) have spoken to their kids at least once in the past year about alcohol consumption, and that these conversations are working. Over the past 20 years, current underage drinking rates have decreased 53%. Over the past 20 years, current underage drinking rates have decreased 53%.
Historically low underage drinking levels mean parents, educators, and trusted adults everywhere are doing a great job! Having early and frequent conversations about how alcohol affects the developing brain and that it is illegal to consume before the age of 21, matters! Delaying the onset of alcohol consumption is critical since early drinking is a risk factor for higher levels of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders in adulthood, but also neurocognitive issues in youth.
Give Kids the Confidence to Say “NO”
Even though 55% of kids think they will be faced with making a decision about underage drinking, we know an overwhelming majority of kids don’t drink. Knowing the facts about brain development, how parts of the brain are affected by alcohol, and the consequences underage drinking has on their development is important because when kids understand the “WHY” behind the “NO” they’re more likely to make informed and healthy decisions that keep them safe.
Normalize That Most Kids Don’t Drink
More than 6 out of 10 kids have never consumed alcohol. Normalizing that most kids don’t drink also makes it easier for kids to say “NO” when offered alcohol.
Be a Trusted Adult
Every kid needs a trusted adult they can turn to when they need to be taken seriously. Parents, mentors, teachers, and coaches who work to build meaningful relationships with kids can serve as positive role models. While one-third (33%) of 10-18 year-olds report their parents as the leading influence in their decision about drinking or not drinking alcohol, other trusted adults also serve as positive role models who can help kids say “NO” to underage drinking, too.
Model Responsibility
In times of celebration and conflict, it’s important to model responsibility. What kids see from parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults in their lives is important as they develop and learn to make decisions for themselves. This is especially true when it comes to alcohol and modeling responsibility for future decision making. Kids are incredibly observant of what’s happening in their environment, so finding healthy ways to celebrate and manage stress matters.
Teaching our kids to say “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to harmful risky behaviors like underage drinking and underage cannabis use is a collective effort. This Red Ribbon Week we applaud your efforts and appreciate your continued partnership! Thank you for helping keep kids alcohol- and substance-free!
-The Ask, Listen, Learn Team