Resources for Parents

As a parent, you may feel disconnected or powerless from influencing your teen.

But you are their #1 influence. The more you know, the better you can help your teen navigate these tough issues. Check out these great resources:

Alcohol
REDUCE UNDERAGE DRINKING BY BUILDING A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

People who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at 21.

 

Excessive drinking is responsible for more than 3,500 deaths and 210,000 years of potential life lost among people under age 21 each year.

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Here are some of the warning signs:

  • Mood and behavior changes

  • Problems at school or home

  • Changes in appetite

  • Changes in friend groups

  • Physical illnesses

Early alcohol use can lead to issues with:

  • Memory

  • Brain development

  • Social and legal problems

  • Increased risk of suicide

  • Misuse of other substances

  • Motor vehicle crash or other injuries

  • Increased risk of alcohol use disorders

Short-term and long-term health risks are associated with excessive alcohol use, including behavioral changes.

More about the harmful outcomes of underage drinking >

WAYS TO AVOID DRINKING

  • Say “no, thanks”.  Sometimes saying no can be hard. Different strategies you can try:

    • Say no without an explanation

    • Say no with an explanation (“I’m not into drinking”, "I have a game tomorrow”, or “I’m driving”)

  • Blame your parents or an adult for not having a drink.  For example, “My Dad is picking me up soon” or “My coach would kill me”).

  • Plan activities besides hanging out.  Take a biking trip, go to the movies, or attend a sports event with your friends.

  • Plan ahead.  Develop a strategy with a friend in advance—agree on a signal that you can use when you are in an uncomfortable situation or are ready to leave a party.

VERMONT YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY 2019

Data collected from high schoolers, grades 9-12 in Vermont and Rutland County.

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% of high school students that drank in the past 30 days

Vermont

31%

Rutland County

31%

% of high school students that had their first drink before the age of 13

Vermont

13%

Rutland County

15%

% of high school students that say they rode with a drinking driver in the past 30 days

Vermont

17%

Rutland County

17%

% of students grades 9-12 that say they have ever drunk alcohol in their life

Vermont

55%

Rutland County

56%

% of high school students that say it is easy/sort of easy to get alcohol

Vermont

67%

Rutland County

69%