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
Remind your kids often that you love and care about them.❤️
Regular words of affirmations and encouragements can help strengthen the bond between you and your child. This will make them feel comfortable talking to you about anything. Developing a strong bond with your child has shown to help them avoid underage drinking.
🔗Check out our list of 40 phrases to praise your child: bit.ly/3E4m3Pm
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah
Fall is officially here! 🍂 This means we can start layering up and finding ways to stay cozy. ☕ Here are 9 cozy recipes you and your kids will enjoy making this fall. This is a great opportunity for you to strengthen your relationship with your kids and find out what is happening in their lives. Kids who have a strong relationship with their parents are less likely to underage drink.
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah #Autumn
Here is another reminder that underage drinking is NOT harmless!🙅♀️
Underage drinking comes with a long list of negative consequences, with both immediate and long-term effects.
🔗To learn more about the effects of underage drinking, click here: parentsempowered.org/why/behavior/
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah
Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrate Hispanic culture, achievements, and contributions with your teens. From trying new recipes to attending local events, there are many ways to learn more about this incredible heritage. Plus, spending quality time together can lower your teen’s chance of alcohol use.
9.5% of Hispanics develop alcohol dependence in their lifetime, 33% of them experience persistent problems.
🔗Visit this link to read more: bit.ly/44cpoXm
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah #HispanicHeritageMonth
Watch out for signs of excess stress or depression in your teen. Stress and depression can lead teens to turn to alcohol to cope. As a parent, if you notice any sudden changes in behavior, help your kid find healthy ways to cope. Taking time to listen to your teen’s concerns can do wonders in preventing underage drinking.❤️
🔗Learn more about what you can do here: parentsempowered.org/how/check-in/
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah
We greatly appreciate and respect every hardworking individual across all industries. You are what keeps the world turning. 🌎
Enjoy #LaborDay by taking your children and family out to do something enjoyable together. Studies show that the more quality time you spend with your children, the less likely they are to indulge in underage drinking.
#ParentsEmpowered #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #Utah
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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