Studies have shown that parents have a significant influence on young people’s decisions about alcohol consumption, especially when parents create supportive and nurturing environments in which their children can make their own decisions.  When  parents know about underage alcohol use, they can protect their children from many of the high-risk behaviors associated with it.  Furthermore, parents who do not discourage underage drinking may have an indirect influence on young people’s alcohol use.

Talk, They Hear You focuses on:

• Increasing parents’ awareness of the prevalence and risk of underage drinking;
• Equipping parents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prevent underage drinking; and
• Increasing parents’ actions to prevent underage drinking.

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What Can You Do? 

Start Early
The Chances children will use alcohol increase as they get older. 
​About 10 percent of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number jumps to 50 percent. The sooner you talk to your children about alcohol, the greater chance you have of influencing their decision not to drink. 

Some Children May Try Alcohol as Early as 9 Years Old.
Most 6-year-olds know that alcohol is only for adults. Between the ages of 9 and 13, children start to view alcohol more positively. Many children begin to think underage drinking is okay. Some even start to experiment. It is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol.

Say Something
What you say to your child about alcohol is up to you. But remember, parents who do not discourage underage drinking may have an influence on their children's alcohol use. 

What Else?

• Be a positive role model
• Be aware of risk factors
• Support your kids and give them space to grow
• Be prepared. Your child may become curious about alcohol; he or she may turn to you for answers and advice
• Use "natural" opportunities such as dinner time or while doing chores to start open, honest conversations about drinking
• Work with schools, communities, and the government to protect children from underage alcohol use

To learn more about the Talk, They Hear You campaign, click here.