Developing Brains
Underage drinking can harm developing brains. Keep your child’s future bright and let them know your rules about not drinking alcohol underage.
Start early
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends talking to kids about underage drinking as early as age 9.1 Research shows kids are making up their minds about alcohol between the ages of 9 to 13 and those perceptions can become more favorable as they mature. And if they view it as pleasurable, they’re much more likely to drink underage.2 If your child is older, it’s never too late to start the discussion.
Your influence is powerful
That’s the great news! Utah kids report the number one reason they choose not to drink is their parents’ strong disapproval.3
Why prevent underage drinking?
Because it protects a child’s future. Alcohol affects a young, still developing brain very differently than an adult’s brain, impairing proper development and increasing risks of addiction, depression, suicide, injury, violence, academic problems and more.4
Learn the HarmsHow can I help prevent my kid from drinking underage?
Here are some suggestions that can help keep your child alcohol-free. Spend fun time together, set clear “no alcohol” rules and stay involved in your kid’s life.
Learn HowResources
Get the tools and help you need to prevent underage drinking here—everything from conversation starters, podcasts, games to play, videos to watch and so much more.
ResourcesSocial media updates
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Last week, students at Eagle View Elementary assembled to unveil the “No Underage Drinking” basketballs that 5 of their students helped design. This was part of the “Soar Like an Eagle. Be Alcohol Free” campaign that encourages kids to have a conversation with a caretaker about alcohol. Parents are the number one reason that kids decide not to drink, so having these conversations is extremely important. #ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention
This month we shine a light on the AAPI community.❤️ We would like to showcase a few of the many AAPI-owned restaurants you and your family can check out together. Sharing a meal with your kids is the perfect opportunity to talk and catch up. Studies show that kids who regularly eat with their family are less likely to drink alcohol. Use this time to educate yourself and loved ones on ways the AAPI community has shaped our country.
🔗For more: bit.ly/2BBZ1A8
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah #AAPIHeritageMonth
Alcohol poisoning is a serious risk with underage drinking and can be deadly. Kids can consume dangerous amounts of alcohol without even realizing it. Be informed and have conversations with your kids about the risks of underage drinking.
🔗Read more here: bit.ly/3mgp75J
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah
A child’s healthy brain is the key to their future. ⭐ Emerging evidence is showing that the effects of substances such as alcohol can be more permanent on the teenage brain. Compared to teens who do not drink alcohol, some teens that do drink alcohol show significantly smaller brain volumes and lower density within parts of the brain.
🔗Read here for more information: bit.ly/3ziJKRO
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah
Hearing your child is one thing, but truly listening is another! Practice active listening when you talk to your child.💡 When parents take time to have frequent and meaningful conversations with their kids, it strengthens relationships. Kids who feel close with their parents are more likely to listen to their parent’s rules, even when it comes to not drinking alcohol.
🔗Read more about active listening here: bit.ly/3GjyLM2
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah #TalkToYourKids
Active Listening: The Complete Guide
psychcentral.com
You can check out our pointers for how to be a better listener, here.
Shout out to our Mother, Earth. 🌎 Spend today outdoors and give back to our planet. You can organize/join a neighborhood clean-up, go on a nature walk, start a garden, and more. Bring your kids along with you! This is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your kids and open a space for conversations. Kids who spend quality time with their parents are less likely to drink underage.
🔗For more ways to celebrate Earth Day click here: bit.ly/3KjAgMy
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah #EarthDay
In the News
Underage drinking can be a serious threat to our children and communities. Learn about the latest research and efforts to prevent it.
ABC4 David Wakins TV Coverage
Fox13 SeaQuest Coverage
KUTV Springbreak Takeover
KUTV Alcohol Awareness Month
Fresh Living TV Coverage
DABC TV Coverage
About Us
Our goal is to eliminate underage drinking in Utah. We do that by empowering parents to use the tremendous influence they have to keep their children alcohol-free.
Learn More
Our Partners
Sources
1 Utah Student Health and Risk Prevention [SHARP] Survey, 2019.
2 https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/3/e718
3 Utah Student Health and Risk Prevention [SHARP] Survey, 2019.
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK37591/
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