By Joanne Glancy, CPS, Project Oz
Teens are bombarded with images and information telling them, “Everyone your age is drinking.” The frequency and casualness of alcohol and other drug use in movies, music, and on social media feeds this perception.
The reality is, the majority of teens do not drink. If teens were to tweet, snapchat, or post their non-drinking status, the public conversation would change dramatically. While any teen drinking is of great concern, it is important to note teens who drink are in the minority. It is our responsibility as adults to help change the perception of drinking and help youth in our community understand they don’t have to drink to fit in.
Underage Drinking By the Numbers
Illinois Youth Survey data from 2012 and 2014 for McLean County tells us:
- 63 percent of high school students had no alcohol in the month prior to the survey
- 17 percent of high school students are drinking three or more times per month
- 20 percent of high school students are drinking weekly
- 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reveals:
• 23 percent of 12 to 20-year-olds in the United States reported drinking in the past month
Studies also show that occasional teen drinkers generally say they drink more often than they actually do, because they believe drinking is the norm. So how do we start to change this misperception?
Peer Prevention
One teen group working to get prevention facts out to other teens in local high schools is the Youth Action Board of Project Oz. These are students from the five largest Bloomington-Normal area schools who have done radio interviews, public service announcements, and made posters for their schools to make teens aware that alcohol use is not the norm. “Youth talk about drinking a lot. They say they are doing it just because it sounds cool,” says MacKenzie Cannon, Youth Action Board member.
Research shows peer prevention like the Youth Action Board can be effective. The group shares drug facts and positive messages about drug prevention to offset some of the media pressure or other negative messages students receive.
Three Ways You Can Help
Adults can change the public conversation to reflect more accurate facts. Think carefully about conversations you are having with teens and other adults. If we hear about one teen drinking party and fall into the trap of assuming most teens are drinking, then we are likely sharing this misguided opinion with others.
1. Question what you hear: Don’t automatically assume it is true and only share facts you are sure are confirmed. Misinformation is spread just as easily among adults as it is among teens. When speaking with teens, share facts and let them know “everyone” isn’t drinking. Ask what they believe is true about drinking and clear up misinformation. Ask them to be better observers and critical listeners in social situations.
2. Be aware of the beliefs you are sharing with teens: To say: “I know everyone drinks, but I don’t want you to do it” is sharing misinformation that drinking is the norm. To respect your teens’ feelings while also sharing accurate information, you might say, “You might hear around school everyone is drinking, but most teens don’t drink. Please continue to make good choices.”
3. Try to communicate without emotion: It conveys your confidence in their decision-making and allows them to hear what you are saying. Alcohol is a serious issue for some teens and one of many they will negotiate before adulthood. Be part of the solution by keeping this problem in perspective.
The consequences of underage drinking are serious, but typically overlooked by adolescents due to peer pressure. Whether you’re a parent, social worker, teacher, healthcare professional, or anyone who interacts with teenagers, take action and have a conversation with the youth in your lives about underage drinking today.
For more information about underage drinking prevention resources, please contact Erin Kennedy, director of the Center for Healthy Lifestyles at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, at 309-661-5153 or at Erin.Kennedy@osfhealthcare.org, or visit www.osfstjoseph.org.
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