Alcohol Awareness

Never provide alcohol to teenagers

• Teens say that adults are their primary source of alcohol; at home, in bars and restaurants, in stores or on the street.
• Some adults think they will keep youth safe by giving them alcohol at home and taking their car keys - but drinking and driving is not the only risk of underage drinking.
• Adults who provide alcohol to youth jeopardize the teens' health and safety.
• Adults can face legal consequences for providing alcohol to youth.  In some states they can be sued for civil damages.
• If you have alcohol in your home, make sure no one under 21 has access to it. 

Underage drinking is illegal and unsafe

• Teens who drink are more likely to have a car crash, get into a fight, have unsafe sex or experience problems in school.
• Research has shown that adolescent alcohol uses can permanently affect brain development.
• It is against the law for anyone under 21 to possess alcohol.  They can be arrested.
• Teen alcohol use is dangerous; it is not a rite of passage into adulthood.

Parents can prevent underage alcohol use

• Never buy alcohol for your teens, their friends or anyone under 21.
• Do not allow your teen to have any parties with alcohol on your property.
• Tell your teen that it is against family rules for them to drink alcohol.
• Talk and listen to your children.  Be straightforward and honest with them about the real impact of alcohol.
• If you choose to use alcohol, use it responsibly.  Remember you are your children's role model.
• Let law enforcement know about any establishments or people providing alcohol to anyone under 21.

For more information about youth and alcohol, call 1-800-729-6686 or visit www.health.org.

Information from the Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support Community.

Q:  Where do most teens get alcohol? 

A:  From adults.

Make sure you're not one of them.  Don't   provide alcohol to teens at home, in stores, in bars and restaurants or anywhere.