What's your SPF?
Think that you know the facts about teens and alcohol? See how you do on our SPF (student protective factor) Quiz.
It only takes a minute, and the lessons that you learn will help you to keep your teen safe!
How to boost your SPF
Learn to Boost your SPF and explore your role in underage drinking
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The Facts about Teen’s and Alcohol
Do You Know That 68.1 % of PA's Tenth Graders choose not to drink alcohol?
The facts about teens and alcohol can be surprising. Explore this area of our website to learn more, and to separate fact from myth.
Part of knowing how to protect your child from underage drinking risks is knowing that there are more parents who share the same views then there are who believe that drinking is ok. The fact that more parents discourage drinking and set rules about it, should give you a piece of mind that you can discuss this issue with a large proportion of other parents.
What parents can do? Take the FREE Workshop on effective parenting strategies!
Strong foundations are built in childhood. Many things parents do show their children how to become responsible adults.
- Your child will learn from your behavior. Be a good role model.
- Talk to your children about alcohol and the law.
- Know about the effects of alcohol on a teenager's body so you can explain why you want them to wait until after age 21 to decide whether or not to drink alcohol.
- Know your child's friends. Get to know their parents and talk to them about your rules concerning alcohol. If all parents set the same curfew and have similar rules, your children and their friends will know what behavior is expected of them. Establish rules and appropriate consequences and stick to them. Set curfews. Say "no" when necessary and don't apologize for it. Trust your decision - children want and need to know what their limits are.
- It's important for your children to know you'll be awake, waiting to talk to them when they return home at night.
- Set a good example. If you drink as soon as you come in the door from work, take medication with alcohol or drive after you have had a drink, you can expect your child to do the same thing. Remember your children do as you do.
- Plan alcohol-free parties with your teen. Make sure it is understood that you will be home and available if there is a problem. If they're going to a party at someone else's house, call those parents and confirm the invitation. Ask if parents plan to supervise. If the party is not supervised, there is a good chance that alcohol will be present. Decline the invitation, if necessary.
- Give children the information they need to know to do the right thing. Talk to them about how to refuse alcohol or turn down a ride with an impaired driver without looking like a wimp.