Underage Drinking: The Risks, and How Parents Can Help

Alcohol is the most widely misused substance among young people in the United States, and drinking at a young age carries serious risks to health and safety.

Why it's dangerous

Drinking by young people:

• causes many deaths and injuries;
• can lead to risky choices, such as drinking and driving or unprotected sex;
• raises the risk of physical and sexual assault;
• can lead to other problems, such as trouble at school;
• may interfere with the development of the brain;
• raises the risk of alcohol problems later in life.

Why kids start

Young people often begin drinking to look "cool" or to fit in with their friends.

What parents can do

Parents can help their children avoid alcohol problems:

• Talk openly and have regular conversations about drinking.
• Stay involved in your child's life.
• Get help if you suspect your child has a drinking problem.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Underage Drinking," from the NIH National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://medlineplus.gov/underagedrinking.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.