Some parents may question setting a no-alcohol rule because they drank as a teen and feel they "turned out fine." However, new research shows teens today begin drinking earlier and drink more than adults at a sitting, putting them at far greater risk for addiction and brain damage. 11 All parents today need to set firm no-alcohol boundaries. Setting clear boundaries without parental monitoring is ineffective at preventing teen alcohol use. At some level, most kids appreciate parental monitoring. It's very real proof their parents love them enough to care about their well-being.

Monitoring is knowing where your children are, who they are with, and what they are doing. Because the teen brain has not fully developed impulse control, inadequate monitoring can leave kids at risk for alcohol use. To improve parental monitoring:

1. Know your child's activities.
   • Always know where your children are, who they are with, and what they are doing.
   • Ensure that your kids have planned activities and appropriate adult supervision.
   • Children need fun. Help provide safe, enjoyable, "no-alcohol" fun for your kids and their friends.
   
   
2. Ensure an alcohol-free environment.
   • Ensure that alcohol is not available to your children at home or from friends, siblings, etc. If they go to a friend's house, call to make sure parents will be home and there will be no alcohol.
   • If alcohol appears at a party, instruct your kids that they need to call you, and you will pick them up. Then reward their good behavior. To view a video tutorial, click here.
   • If you, as an adult, choose to drink, always keep your alcohol locked up and away from your kids and their friends.
   
   
3. Maintain monitoring.
   • Be aware that studies show kids are more at risk for alcohol, drugs, and sex between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., while many parents are still at work. ¹²
   • Find ways to check on your kids when you are not around, either with phone calls, text messaging or through a neighbor dropping by. To send a text message to your child now, click here.
   • Drop in occasionally, unannounced. Though they may roll their eyes and seem embarrassed at your presence, the occasional surprise visit lets your children know you could stop by at anytime. Be sure to explain that you do trust your children, but that you love them and want to be certain they're safe.