Drinking is illegal for minors, and so is smoking in many States. And minors may be taken to special youth courts for breaking the law. People shouldn't depend on alcohol and other drugs to help them make friends. To grow into well-adjusted adults, children must learn the social skills involved in making friends without depending on alcohol and other drugs. Only about 10 in 100 people have tasted alcohol or tried drugs by the time they're in the sixth grade.
Myths dies hard though.
This proportion rises to 476 percent by the sixth grade. Children of all ages are more likely to talk with parents who know how to listen - about alcohol, other drugs, and other important issues. But there are certain kinds of parental responses, such as giving too much advice or pretending to have all the answers, that have been shown to block the lines of communications. It takes concentration and practice. There are five listening skills that can help even the best parents reach their children.