We should all be concerned about the large number of teenagers who are regularly drinking alcoholic beverages. I was shocked to learn that two-thirds of teenagers who drink report that they can buy their own alcoholic beverages with no difficulty. That is most disturbing. Even more disturbing is a report by MADD that 35% of children in the fourth grade are pressured by their peers to drink. By the time they reach the sixth grade, 49% have been pressured and many have yielded to the pressure. The report indicates that the average age at which people start drinking alcoholic beverages is 16.6 years of age. Of the nearly 200,000 students surveyed, 33% said that their parents often don’t set clear rules about drinking. Half of them said that they are not disciplined when they break rules that were set by their parents.

We should all get involved in efforts to curtail drinking by young people at any age. Parents should teach their children at an early age that actions have consequences at any age. MADD recommends explaining the facts about underage drinking early with children. Parents must talk to their children and must also listen. We can’t assume that youngsters understand the evils of alcohol and how it can hurt them in so many ways. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get involved with your children. I am also firmly convinced that faith and prayer must play a major role in dealing with the problems that our children and grandchildren face in today’s world and that includes the use of alcohol and drugs.

Source: MADD

Other Related Articles

• MADD needs your help
• Alcoholic energy drinks are a big problem
• A study of binge drinkers reveals some disturbing results
• The Attack on Drunk Driving by MADD Should be Supported
• Wrongful death suit filed for illegal sales of alcohol to minors