A popular source of alcohol for young people is the family liquor cabinet or at parties, usually at fiends' homes, sometimes without parental supervision. To put the size of the underage drinking problem in perspective, each year junior and senior high school students drink 1.1 bi1lon cans of beer and consume 35 percent of the wine coolers sold in this country. Survey research has shown that young people often drink to cope with the pressure they feel to be accepted, to make decisions, or to perform in school. Providing teenagers with an alternative outlet for these pressures and fears any help. Be available to talk and, most important, listen to your teenager.
Young people are very concerned about being accepted by their peers.
This need to fit in with the group is often the reason for their first experimentation with alcohol. Remind your children that their true friends encourage their individuality, as well as healthy lifestyle choices. Good friends respect your right to be you. It's never too early to prevent underage drinking because some youth start experimenting in childhood. Correct the assumption that all young people drink.