According to the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, alcohol is the drug most frequently used by 12 - 17 year olds and the one that causes the most negative consequences. Young people who drink alcohol are dying, getting pregnant, contracting sexually transmitted diseases, experiencing violence, and failing school. Youth live in a society that encourages them to drink.
Teens can easily get alcohol from adults in both social and commercial settings.
One of the most effective ways to reduce health problems among young people is to reduce the flow of alcohol to youth. Research has shown that simply educating people about the dangers of alcohol doesn't mean they will drink less.