|
How do we prevent underage drinking in a society in which youths receive positive messages about alcohol coupled with warnings that alcohol is illegal and risky? Alcohol pervades our culture, and youths are well aware of its popularity. Adolescents and young adults witness the casual use of alcohol by parents, other adults and peers, and alcohol is commonly displayed in advertisements, in movies, on TV, on T-shirts, at sports events, and during community events, some of which use the sale of alcohol to support high school activities. Therefore, it is not surprising that experimental or occasional use of alcohol is reported by the majority of 10th and 12th grade youths responding to the 2005 Nebraska Risk and Protective Factor Student Survey in Grand Island, making it, by definition, a normative behavior during the second decade of life.
We have to change the environmental influences so that alcohol consumption isn't viewed as being normal for youths under the age of 21 years. We need to look at the mixed messages and correct them to send a clear message that underage drinking is not acceptable and that it is harmful. As adults, we model moderation when we consume alcohol and take precautions to limit underage access to alcohol.
Alcohol consumption increases when there is a low perceived risk of harm, a high perceived acceptance, and easy access. On the flip side, underage drinking is reduced when there is a high perceived risk of harm, low perceived acceptance, and limited access.
For more information contact Randy See at 385-5520 or check out www.thinkb4uwink.com.
Resources: Bonnie L. Halpern-Felsher and Michael Biehl (Developmental and Environmental Influences on Underage Drinking: A General Overview), 2005 Nebraska Risk and Protective Factor Student Survey, the Grand Island Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and Think B4U Wink.
|
