Underage Drinking Action

What can parents or guardians do?

Understand that underage drinking is a tradition, one which is illegal and must be stopped.
Understand that it is a “rite of passage”; a passage to a devastating quality of life, brain damage and death.
Understand that drinking alcohol under the age of 21 is prohibited by law, with extremely limited exceptions.
See to it your kids don’t drink—you have the power.
Do not tolerate unsupervised parties.
In the event of a supervised party, ensure it is responsibly supervised with alcohol effectively prohibited.
See to it that your kids realize that drinking is not a choice for them and that they understand why it is prohibited.
Always know where your kids are.
Prevent your kids from attending a function, activity or facility where alcohol may be available to them.
Know the typical behaviors of those with whom your kids hang out.
Consider the powerful influence of your own behavior on your kids.

Support your police.
If underage drinking may be in progress, call 9-1-1.
Anyone aware of a planned party should call the NYS Underage Drinking Hotline (you can remain anonymous): 1-866-UNDER 21 (1-866-863-3721).
Develop and encourage supervised teen activities.

Send this letter to:

I'm concerned about underage drinking. The time has come to get serious about this issue and adopt policies that protect our children.

I support common-sense, research-based measures that will help reduce underage drinking, including:

Increasing alcohol prices through taxes, particularly on beer;
Limiting alcohol advertising and marketing targeted at young people;
Implementing a national media campaign that counters alcohol industry messages and uses social marketing to affect attitudes and behavior;
Adopting and enforcing laws to prevent alcohol-related deaths and injuries among young people;
Promoting alcohol free events for kids;
Expanding counseling and support for kids, especially those with addicted parents.

These and other measures are recommended by The Institute of Medicine: www.jointogether.org/IOM.

I strongly urge you to make these policies a priority at the state and local level. Thank you.

Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]