5 Strategies for Preventing Teenage Alcohol Use

As teens grow more independent, they also face more pressure and opportunities to experiment with alcohol and tobacco. While this can feel out of a parent’s control, research shows that parents still have a strong influence on their teen’s choices. The following strategies can help you prevent underage drinking and support healthy decision-making.

01 Teaching Skills

• Show teens how to explore and evaluate possible solutions to common problems
• Meditation and other relaxation are techniques that are alternatives to drinking
• Teach teenagers how to refuse alcohol while under pressure

02 Open Discussions

• Present information in a truthful manner
• Discuss how alcohol is portrayed in movies, tik toks… as glamorous and not dangerous
• Listen to what your teen has to say
• Make sure they know you oppose the use of alcohol for anyone under the age of 21
• Agree on a safe alternative if your teen is with people who are drinking

03 Teach Wellness

• It’s important to have nutritious meals and snacks every day
• Limit sweets and foods high in fat
• Exercise to help tension, strength muscles, promote cardiovascular fitness and more
• No harmful habits that would steal strength and energy from the body

04 Provide Alternatives

• It is important to bring teenagers together in non alcoholic settings
• Go to a high school dance or recreation hall
• Play a sport to try some other hobbies
• Join a school play or musical

05 Support Community Based Efforts

• Actively participate and make a financial contribution if you can
• If there is no prevention program in your community, start one
• See if a local, public, or private service needs counselors