I found this to be a very encouraging development. Underage drinking has been a huge problem
from my own high school and college days in the 1960’s. It’s good to see this much progress to curb
it. Way to many of our youth have been hurt
physically or wasted their college days drinking instead of studying.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported
underage drinking among high school students has dropped to a new historic low,
declining 41 percent since the survey began in 1991. Additionally, the percent
of teens who reported driving when they had been drinking or riding with a
driver who had been drinking also continues to decline.
While these are very positive trends, parents must remain vigilant
against underage drinking, especially during the summer. Research shows that
most youth who drink, obtain alcohol from their home or from other adults. Be
aware of your teen's activity both inside and outside of the home and make
clear that you disapprove of underage drinking.
Importantly, strive to maintain an open dialogue with your son or
daughter. While parents often think their teens are not listening to them,
research also shows parents have the greatest influence over their decision
regarding alcohol consumption.
