Why Do Young People Decide to Drink?
Young people sometimes decide to drink in response to peer pressure, stress or as an express to assert their independence. Many young people don’t understand the effects that alcohol can have on their bodies, relationships, and life goals. Therefore, parents and mentors play an important role in guiding young people to make the right decision to abstain from alcohol use.
Underage Drinking: How Can Parents & Mentors Help Influence Teens to Remain Alcohol-free?
As adults and mentors, it's our job to lead by example in every way. Young people need guidance on how to live healthy lives. Our focus in that mission is steering young people away from underage drinking. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, by age 15, about 33 percent of teens have had at least 1 drink. By age 18, about 60 percent of teens have had at least 1 drink. In 2015, 7.7 million young people ages 12–20 reported that they drank alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in the past month. Adults should talk to young people about underage drinking, serve as role models, and encourage kids to participate in healthy and fun activities that do not involve alcohol.