Open conversation important to combating underage drinking

Apr. 20—As underage drinking remains a prevalent issue across the U.S., local experts are urging parents to have open conversations with their kids about the potential dangers.

According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about one in five middle school students report having had at least one drink in their lifetime. In 2022, nearly 6 million young people reported drinking more than just a few sips in the past month, and this includes children as young as 12. Dr. Carmen Ford of Peacock Pediatrics said that these numbers are consistent with what she and her colleagues are seeing locally.

"Access is easier these days," Ford said. "It seems more and more parents are more open about drinking, and so there is more access to alcohol at younger age levels."

This is important, Ford said, because parents are usually the most important influences in the lives of young children regarding choices about alcohol. While peers may exert more pressure as the children move into late high school and early college years, children in middle school and younger watch their parents.

"As parents, it's important that we set a good example," Ford said. "This means talking to them honestly and often."

Key things parents can discuss with younger children and pre-teens include the fact that it is illegal to drink alcohol before the age of 21. Reminding children of all ages of the dangers of addiction is also crucial, according to physicians and counselors.

While the St. Joseph School District does not offer specific programs to educate middle school and junior high students about alcohol awareness, organizations such as the Samaritan Counseling Center, Family Guidance Center and Northwest Behavioral Health offer materials and trained counselors to help parents and younger children become more aware of the potential dangers of alcohol.

For younger children, who are still developing mentally and physically, Ford said that cognitive development, kidney function and liver function are among the things that can be severely impacted by alcohol usage among pre-teens and young adolescents.

Medical and counseling professionals in the area suggest both formal and informal conversations with middle schoolers, so that they can learn that parents and guardians are open to talking to them about alcohol.

Since April is Alcohol Awareness Month, national organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institutes of Health are highlighting resources, including curriculum, to help parents and educators discuss the dangers of alcohol with middle schoolers and even young children.

Experts note that while underage consumption of alcohol has dropped slightly in recent years, more adolescents use alcohol than tobacco or marijuana.

Charles Christian anchors the evening news for News-Press NOW and also serves as an ordained minister at United Methodist Churches in Union Star and Helena, Missouri. Charles can be reached at charles.christian@newspressnow.com. Follow him on twitter: @NPNowChristian.