Be A Parent, Not a Friend
Why “Supervised Drinking” Still Puts Teens at Risk
During prom and graduation season, some parents think providing supervision at a party while allowing teens to drink, can keep them safe but supervision can’t guard against:
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Interfering with brain development
Since young peoples’ brains are still developing into their 20s, alcohol can alter this development, affecting both brain structure and function which may cause cognitive or learning problems.
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Increased risk of alcohol problems later in life
Research shows that people who start drinking in their teens are at a higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder later in life.
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Other problems
Drinking alcohol is also associated with the use of other substances.
Parents Are the Strongest Influence on Teen Drinking Choices
Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries Around Alcohol Use
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Establish clear rules and consequences
about alcohol. -
Explain your expectations to your teens, make sure they understand the rules, and make it clear that alcohol is a serious topic.
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Choose consequences that are appropriate, immediate, and important to your teens if they violate your rules and be prepared to follow through.
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Know where your teens are and what they’re doing. Know your teens’ friends and their parents.
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Help your teens with strategies to resist peer pressure and have a plan in case they find themselves in a situation they need to get out of.
As your kids get older, they’ll appreciate your “no”.
