April is Alcohol Awareness
Month to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol abuse. It offers
a timely reminder that it is never too early to talk to your children about
alcohol and other drugs. Believe it or not, children as young as 9-years-old
may already view alcohol in a positive way. The older kids get, the more likely
they are to drink. About 10% of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol; by
age 15, that number increases to 50%. By the time they are seniors in high
school, almost 70% will have tried alcohol. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-SAMHSA).
Parents and caregivers have a
significant influence on their children’s decisions to experiment with alcohol
and other drugs…and it starts by talking. Regular conversations make it
easier to transition to more serious conversations when needed – take advantage
of everyday opportunities to talk in the car, during dinner, or while watching
TV and playing games. Don’t do all the talking, give your child an opportunity
to ask questions and listen to what they have to say. Whether or not your child
has tried alcohol or drinks regularly, knowing the truth can help them avoid
succumbing to peer pressure because they will feel more confident making
informed decisions after considering all the facts.
Most Polk Teens Do Not Drink! - While research shows that underage drinking rates are declining, it is still important for teens to know how alcohol affects their health, how to identify signs of a problem, and where to get help. Bonus fact to share with your children is that according to statistics collected among 6-12 grade students in Polk County annually, 84% DO NOT USE ALCOHOL (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey 2022 FYSAS).
When teens realize that they are among the majority who do make healthy choices, they may feel empowered to avoid peer pressure and refrain from partaking in risky behaviors.
Free Education Programs Available Locally - InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are committed to educating youth and adults about the dangers of alcohol and substance use. Citizens can support local prevention efforts by inviting a representative to share a free educational program with their school, PTA, community organization, or business. To learn more, please visit www.inneractalliance.org or call 802-0777.
More helpful resources for parents/caregivers are a click away:
https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you
https://drugfree.org/article/why-teens-drink-and-experiment-with-drugs/
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