RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

Some parents may feel their teens don't listen. But studies—and the downturn in underage drinking and driving deaths—show that's not true. In fact, you are the most powerful influence on your child's behavior.

Building a close relationship with your kids encourages them to come to you for help in making decisions. Over 50 percent of teens say their parents are their role models. Research shows:

Young people who hear/learn "no use" messages at home are 50 percent LESS likely to use alcohol. Additionally, two-thirds of teens say that losing their parents' respect and pride is one of the main reasons they don't use illegal substances.

If you talk to your kids about drinking, they'll listen. They need to hear what you have to say about underage drinking. Find the help and resources you need here. . Take a stand. Have the talk. Because PARENTS DO MATTER.

COLLEGE PARENTS

What To Talk About

While students may tell their parents that their Friday night of choice is a date with their Anthropology research paper in the library, or a movie marathon with their roommates, it's crucial that parents talk with their kids about the dangers of binge drinking and responsible partying. Here are some talking points for parents of college-aged children:

If your child is a freshman, pay attention to his or her experiences during the first six weeks on campus, when he or she is settling into a new home and taking part in club and Greek orientations and activities. Check in with your student frequently during the school year to help spot any patterns of behavior that might signal a problem with alcohol.
Set clear expectations about academic performance; alcohol’s wear on the body, the mind and the overall health of an individual can impair a student’s ability to attend class, keep up with schoolwork and maintain academic performance.
Make sure your son or daughter knows that underage drinking carries serious legal consequences — as do other alcohol-related offenses, like drinking in public, using a fake ID or driving or biking under the influence.
Stress to your son or daughter that if they suspect that someone has alcohol poisoning, they should not wait to observe more symptoms, or assume that someone simply passed out and will sleep it off; they should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Remember that drinking, especially binge drinking, should never be an outlet for students to relieve stress or personal concerns. If you suspect your college student is over-dependent on alcohol, encourage them to seek counseling. University and college campuses often have treatment programs or specialized counseling programs to aid students who have alcohol-related problems.