5 TIPS FOR PREVENTING UNDERAGE DRINKING

1 Know their network

Most underage drinking happens at home, or at the home of a friend, so take the time to get to know not only your children's friends, but also their parents.

Ask them what their household rules are regarding alcohol and drug use, and let them know where you stand on substance use in your home and with your family.

2 Deny their supply

Limiting access to alcohol and drugs both at home and in your community can reduce the rate of underage substance use. If you keep alcohol and home, keep track of it.

Thank local businesses for carding at their counters, and if you have information about how minors are acquiring alcohol or drugs in your community, report it to the police.

3 Talk to your teens

Maintain an ongoing dialogue about substance use and abuse with your kids as they grow up. Set house rules when it comes to alcohol and drug use and stick to them should the circumstances arise. Be consistent and highlight why a zerotolerance policy on underage drinking is about prevention, not punishment.

4 Know before they go

Don’t be afraid to ask your child questions before they go out, like whether an adult will be present at their outing, and ask them to check in with you throughout the evening. Create a special text message to use if they find themself in an unsafe situation. Talk to the parents of your child’s friends or drop by to check in on them yourself.

5 Follow through at curfew

Meet your kid at curfew, even if it means setting an alarm, and check for signs of substance use. Teens are less likely to use drugs or alcohol if they believe their parents will be waiting up when they get home.

Practice how you’d react if your teen came up intoxicated in advance, and what measures you would take to avoid being overwhelmed in the moment.