'Conversation Worth Having:' Chapel Hill campaign works to stop underage drinking with resources for parents
When should you talk with your kids about alcohol? According to a campaign this fall in Chapel Hill, the answer is right now if you have grade schoolers or older in your home.
Posted — UpdatedWhen should you talk with your kids about alcohol? According to a campaign this fall in Chapel Hill, the answer is right now if you have grade schoolers or older in your home.
“Some parents might fear that that having these conversations could plant the seed for future use. But research tells us that’s just not true. Think about it this way—not setting clear expectations about underage drinking could condone the behavior. Parents deserve to have a say in their kids’ decisions about alcohol.” said Jim Wise, the Student Assistance Program Specialist at Chapel Hill High School, in a press release.
Underage drinking is at an all-time low, but that doesn't mean kids aren't faced with some potentially tough decisions. According to the press release, 42 percent of eighth, 10th and 12th graders report that they have consumed alcohol in their lifetime. The good news is that research tells us that families are the top influencer on a child's decisions about drinking. In fact, 80 percent of children feel that their parents should have a say in whether they drink alcohol.
Not sure what to say other than "don't drink" to your kids? The Chapel Hill campaign has recommendations based on a child's age.
Here's what parents should know:
- Begin the conversation about the dangers of underage drinking with grade schoolers - it's not too early.
- Having conversations about alcohol does not plant the seed for children to use.
- Monitor the accessibility of alcohol in your own home.
- If you choose to drink, ensure that you're modeling responsible drinking behaviors. Children are acute observers.
- Be clear about family values and set expectations about underage drinking.
- Talk to your middle schooler about the future effects of underage drinking. Adults, for instance, who consumed their first drink before age 15 were seven times more likely to experience alcohol problems than those who did not drink underage.
- Begin having open and honest conversations about underage drinking. Keep conversations brief and don't forget to listen.
- Use a current newspaper article or recent event about alcohol as a way to start a conversation.
- Help your high schooler build skills and strategies to resist peer pressure and avoid underage drinking.
- Consider establish an "X-Plan" or similar strategy with your higher schooler to help them navigate out of situations where underage drinking is present.
- During the first six weeks of college, students are at higher risk for dangerous drinking. About 12.5 percent of UNC freshmen report drinking alcohol in the summer before college. After the first six weeks of their first semester, about 75 percent of UNC freshmen report drinking alcohol. This trend mirrors national statistics among college students.
- Set clear expectations about academic performance and financial responsibility and how underage alcohol use can impact both.
- Validate that abstinence from alcohol is a healthy, safe and acceptable decision.
- Discuss strategies that your child should use to avoid drinking dangerously if they choose to drink.
Other community organizations have signed on to be a part of the campaign, including local police departments, PTAs, the YMCA of the Triangle, Boomerang, Freedom House, the UNC-Chapel Hill Division of Student Affairs and the Orange County ABC Board.
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