Children and Young People

Tapping into Americans' Drinking Problem 

Virtually all countries except the U.S. permit persons under the age of 21 to consume alcohol in moderation, both by law and custom. Prohibition against all drinking under age 21 infantilizes young people so that they often binge, as did adults during national prohibition. Failing to distinguish between moderate and immoderate drinking reflects our conflicted cultural attitudes toward alcoholic beverages and contributes to the problem of alcohol abuse.

Most Parents Know Extent of Their Teenager’s Alcohol Drinking

Most parents accurately perceive whether or not their children and teens are consuming alcoholic beverages, contrary to a common myth or stereotype, according to research at the Research Institute on Addictions at the University of Buffalo.

Drinking Alcohol Drops among Preteens

Drinking alcohol by preadolescents or preteens has declined significantly over time in the U.S. according to national and state surveys, dropping about 50% in 14 years.

A Toast to the Family

Alcohol expert Stanton Peele urges parents to model responsible drinking and to teach their children at home how to drink in moderation in order to reduce alcohol-related problems, a position supported by evidence from scientific research studies.

Parents, Children, and Drinking Alcohol at Home

Many parents serve their own children alcohol at home to teach them drinking in moderation and reduce alcohol-related problems such as traffic crashes, which is legal in most states of U.S. Research has demonstrated that teens who drink with their parents are less likely to experience alcohol-related problems.

Drinking with Parents Reduces Alcohol Abuse among Teenagers

Drinking alcohol by teenagers with parents decreases alcohol abuse, such as binge drinking, new study reports. Other  research has also found that young people who drink with their parents are least likely to experience drinking or alcohol-related problems.

e-CHUG Reduces Alcohol Drinking Problems among Youths

e-Chug (Electronic Check-Up to Go) is an on-line program that  reduces alcohol consumption among both high school and college students. It is an evidence-based alcohol education, intervention and personalized feedback tool for youths.

Alcohol Education in Schools: What Students Need to be Taught

Students need to be taught how to drink responsibly, how to avoid harm, and how much alcohol is contained in drinks of beer, wine and liquor (distilled spirits); that is, alcohol equivalence.

Teach Your Children Alcohol Moderation

Parents should teach their children how to drink socially and responsibly and the government shouldn’t prohibit them from doing so.

Giving, Providing or Supplying Alcoholic Beverages to a Minor

Providing alcohol to a minor illegally can seem harmless, especially when the quantity is small. However the negative consequences to the person who supplies the alcohol can be both serious and permanent.

Zero Tolerance Makes Zero Sense

Zero tolerance prohibits parents from taking practical steps to prevent their teenagers from drinking and driving. We should encourage such parental actions instead of punishing them with unrealistic and counterproductive zero tolerance policies.

Underage Drinking in Restaurants & Bars

Minors can drink alcohol with their parents in restaurants & bars in 7 states. Fewer drinking problems exist in groups in which children drink with their parents, according to federal and other research.

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