Environmental Prevention at Home.
It's Easy as 1-2-3
The corner liquor store isn't the only place where teens get alcohol-many times they get it at home. Factors that contribute to underage access in the home include unlocked liquor cabinets and wine cellars, beer in the fridge and alcohol at family events. It's important for parents to be aware that alcohol availability in the home can contribute to underage drinking. Here are steps to help parents make alcohol-safe choices for their children:
At Home:
1. Be a role model - parents establish the family norm on alcohol use and alcohol-related expectations for their children. Be aware of the choices you make and how they can impact your child.
2. Availability - reducing teens' access to alcohol is important and should be part of a parent's approach to keep alcohol from their children. There are laws, such as social host liability, that hold people liable for providing alcohol to underage youth who are not their own children.
3. Have an alcohol-free home - the simplest way to prevent young people from accessing alcohol in the home is to not store it in the home.
Away From Home:
4. Alcohol providers - ask older siblings or other young adults where local teens may be obtaining alcohol. If they are purchasing the alcohol themselves, try to identify the retailers and report them to local police.
5. Build alliances - to ensure that your child doesn't end up in an environment where alcohol is readily available, know your child's friends and their parents. Don't assume anything-ask other families if they allow young people to drink in their homes.
For more information on parents, teens, and alcohol, visit:
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