Talk IT OUT
Talking with kids about alcohol consumption is vital to preventing underage drinking and promoting responsible habits. BY ALEXIA KEMERLING
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or many parents, discussing topics as serious as underage drinking with children can feel intimidating. It’s tempting to wait until your child is in middle school or even high school before sitting them down for a talk. However, Chris Swonger, President and CEO of Responsibility.org and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, encourages a different approach. “Research suggests you should start talking to your kids at an early age. Younger children — fourth, fifth, and sixth graders — are more likely to listen to their parents, and information is more likely to resonate at that age,” Swonger said. “As a parent myself, I’m living proof that this approach works. My boys are 13 and 15, and talking with them now, I have confidence that what we talked about when they were nine made an impact.” The proof is in the numbers, too. According to surveys conducted by Responsibility.org, conversations between kids and their parents 10 |
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have increased by 38% from 2003 to 2021, and in turn, annual consumption among teens has decreased by 30%. Swonger also recommends having frequent conversations about the effects of drinking, the dangers of driving impaired, and the risks and consequences of underage drinking. There’s no need to arrange a formal “sit down.” Many of Swonger’s conversations with his sons have taken place during everyday situations like driving to the grocery store. “It’s important to be open and honest about the risks and consequences of underage drinking,” Swonger added. While parents may be on the first line of defense when it comes to initiating conversations with young people about alcohol, they are in no way alone. OHLQ proudly partners with organizations like Responsibility.org to offer a variety of resources to parents, kids, teachers, and community members. You can read more about
IN THIS TOGETHER Preventing underage drinking is a community effort, and one in which OHLQ is proud to take part. Check out the following sites for support and resources: ohlq.com/ohlq-cares responsibility.org asklistenlearn.org samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you preventionactionalliance.org/ learn/about-alcohol
