First time use of alcohol by 12 to 17 year olds spikes in June, July and December. On an average day in December, approximately 11,500 12-17 year olds drink alcohol for the first time compared to 5,000 to 8,000 new alcohol users during other months. In the Massapequas, most kids have their first drink of alcohol before the age of 14.
In spite of what we think, we also know that parents are important influencers when it comes to their children making the decision to have their first drink. There is so much parents can do to show they disapprove of underage drinking. Parents can speak with their children and send clear messages that underage drinking can affect their health and safety. They have the ability to teach their children about the law and help build their refusal skills by developing a plan and discuss different ways to handle situations where youth may be influenced to drink.
To learn more about underage drinking prevention and become involved in MTAC’s initiatives, you can like MTAC on Facebook, go to mtacoalition.com or contact Larissa Singh, MTAC Project Coordinator, at (516) 799-3203 x132 or email info@mtacoalition.com.
For more information about MTAC’s strategies to reduce underage drinking and youth substance misuse and how to be a part of the solution, contact Brooke Langella, MTAC Project Coordinator at (516) 799-3000 x 131 or email at mtacoalition@yesccc.org.
You can also Like MTAC on Facebook!