For Parents and Caring Adults: What You Can Do

Set a good example-- Drink responsibly – NEVER drink and drive.
Talk WITH your kids-- Talk early, talk often. Know where they are going, who they are going with, where they will be and when they will be home. Check in on occasion just to make sure.
Remove temptation-- Limit and monitor the cans and bottles in your refrigerator and lock your liquor cabinet.
Know the warning signs for underage drinking, and if you have concerns get help.
Talk to your kids’ friends and their parents. Let them know your rules and that you expect your child to follow them no matter where they are. Let the parents know that you do not want your son/daughter drinking alcohol.
Finally, if you can, get involved in your community's efforts to address underage drinking.

Youth drink for many reasons, a few of the more common reasons are:

Social transitions - leaving one school for another (including elementary to middle school and middle school to high school),
Depression or other mental health issues,
Family history of alcoholism, and
Friends that participate in underage drinking.

Other Tips

Visit TheAntiDrug.com for expert advice on starting tough conversations and for more details on the survey findings.
Learn how to start and maintain an ongoing conversation. Visit the Conversation Starters section to get tips on initiating tough conversations with teens.
Listen to sample conversations: Conversations for Parents. Parents can listen to a dozen different scenarios of parent-teen conversations and get expert advice based on each specific vignette.
Order free materials and get free news on keeping your kids safe and healthy for use in communities including schools, youth-serving groups, and parent-teacher organizations are also available.