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You Can Help Prevent Underage Drinking

Every teenager is different and no two families are the same, but there are some actions every parent can take to help prevent teens from drinking.

1) Talk and Set Clear Rules

Don’t assume that your teen knows how you feel about underage drinking. Talk and stay involved with your teen to promote open communication about any problems that may come up. Set clear expectations for behavior and define consequences for breaking the rules.

2) Limit Access to Alcohol

Limit your teen’s access to alcohol and set a positive example by refusing to give or sell alcohol to anyone underage. Keep your alcohol under lock and key and monitor the quantity, thank store clerks for carding on alcohol purchases, stay at home when your child hosts a party, and plan activities that are alcohol-free.

3) Monitor for Use

Trust but verify—check in with other parents about your teen’s activities or drop by once in a while where your teen tells you he/she will be. Wait up or set the alarm for curfew time, talk with your teen about his/her night and look for signs of alcohol use. Teens who believe their parents would catch them using alcohol are less likely to drink.

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