How to Prevent Teenage Drinking

Underage drinking is a serious problem and can lead to both emotional and physical complications. Because friends habits' and their own curiosity can easily sway teenagers, it's important to keep them aware of the dangers of drinking alcohol. Although it can be difficult to balance between letting your teenager experience life for himself and providing guidance, it's essential to ensure his safety.

Instructions

    • 1

      Approach your teenager with honest and direct communication. Learning how to express your concerns without making your teenager feel guarded is critical to effective dialogue. Let her know the dangers of underage drinking, which include liver damage, behavioral changes and increased likelihood of vehicular accidents. Avoid glamorizing or downplaying the effects of alcohol to prevent making it more appealing. Encourage her to share her feelings as well as any experiences she has had with alcohol.

    • 2

      Support alcohol awareness initiatives and programs. Giving your time and money to groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) can ensure teenagers have a steady stream of anti-alcohol information. This is important, as popular music and movies can sometimes glorify underage drinking. Check with your teenager's school to ask about programs such as Prom Promise and Project Graduation, which provide alcohol-free activities for teenagers.

    • 3

      Keep your alcohol usage under control. Teenagers watch their parents for guidance so setting a negative example can make teenagers justify their own negative behavior. Although it's legal for adults to drink alcohol, avoid using this fact as an excuse to overindulge in alcohol. Ensure that your teenager isn't a witness to your inappropriate and irresponsible behavior.

    • 4

      Secure your personal supply of alcohol. Teenagers may be tempted to drink alcohol while you're away, so keeping it inaccessible can help prevent these dangerous situations. Mark usage levels on large bottles of alcohol to ensure your teenager isn't sipping without your knowledge. Notice if items used to make mixed drinks such as frozen fruit and olives are suddenly missing when you return home.

    • 5

      Monitor your teenager's friends and whereabouts. Knowing who your teenager is hanging out with can alert you to possible problems. Activate your "sixth sense" when meeting new friends. Avoid letting your teenager attend unsupervised parties, as these situations are known for featuring underage drinking. Follow up with other parents to ensure your child is being truthful about his friends and his social activities.

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