Myths appear for many reasons, one of which is when we don’t want to believe something. Underage drinking is a rising problem in North Carolina, which is why now, more than ever, it is vital to bust the myths surrounding teen drinking.
#1: My Child Doesn’t Drink
Recognizing that there is an underage drinking problem is easy. Admitting that your child might be drinking under the age of 21 isn’t.
One of the worst myths any parent can fall victim to is the belief that their child doesn’t drink. Children are curious, and they want to do the things their friends do. It is entirely possible they are or will drink alcohol.
#2: European Kids Drink Young and Don’t Have Alcohol-Related Problems
Have you ever dismissed the idea of underage drinking as bad because the legal drinking age in the United States is 21, which is much higher than other legal ages in European countries? It’s easy to think that kids in these countries don’t have alcohol-related problems, so letting your tween or teen drink isn’t a big deal.
Wrong.
According to Madd.org, most European youths have higher rates of alcohol-related problems and are more susceptible to heavy drinking. Not only do they see an increase in driving crashes, but binge drinking is on the rise.
#3: Teens Can Drink If They Don’t Drive
As long as the keys are gone, it’s okay for a teen to drink, right?
The reality is that underage drinking is underage; it’s illegal. Whether or not the teen gets behind the wheel and drives is irrelevant. But if they do, they are far more likely to cause an automobile accident.
According to PhoenixHouse.org, 32 percent of alcohol-related teen deaths are connected to driving and 68 percent are the cause of homicide or suicide brought on by alcohol or alcohol poisoning.
#4: The Talk Should Wait
When should you talk to your child about underage drinking? Most parents think it’s a conversation to have before they get their license, but in reality it’s best to talk to them before puberty hits.
Experts say that youth begin to view alcohol more positively between the ages of nine and 13. The best time to start talking to your child about alcohol is age nine.
Opening the lines of communication before your child is faced with an alcohol situation will help reduce the current statistics of losing one child per week to underage drinking.
#5: Alcohol Isn’t That Bad
Alcohol is legal. It’s not that bad. It must be better for teens than other drugs.
This is an example of irrational rationalization. The truth is alcohol has consequences just as addictive and deadly as street drugs. The fact that it’s legal doesn’t limit its addictive qualities. If anything, its legal status makes it deceptively okay to overindulge in.
Parents and youth believe there is an underage drinking problem in North Carolina. How we respond to it starts in the home. As a parent, your job is to see through the myths and start working with your child to stop underage alcohol consumption.