Children Alcohol Free is a multiyear effort in support of a highly visible national campaign to prevent early onset drinking among children aged 9 to 15. The campaign is being led by Governors' spouses from states across the country because they traditionally take on issues with major implications for public health and are highly effective catalysts for action both nationally and within their States. This unique coalition is the only nation-wide effort that specifically targets prevention of drinking in this young age group. A recent survey revealed that an overwhelming majority of Americans are concerned about underage drinking and would support measures to reduce it, such as stricter controls on alcohol sales, advertising, and promotion.
Young people drink to get drunk.
One-fourth of all eighth graders report using alcohol in the last 30 days. An estimated 3 million kids between 14 and 17 are regular drinkers who already have an alcohol problem. Forty percent of people who drink before the age of 13 will become alcoholics at some time in their lives. If the onset of drinking is delayed by 5 years, a child's risk of serious alcohol problems is decreased by 50 percent. In addition, the Executive Working Group, composed of representatives from key national organizations with state chapters, was set up to serve in an advisory capacity.