Teenagers start drinking in high school, usually at parties without adult supervision, according to a major new study from George Mason University. They drink much more and at much younger ages than their parents realize, mostly to socialize and with the intention of getting drunk. They are most likely to obtain alcohol through older brothers and sisters.
- While teenagers understand the danger of drinking and driving, they do not understand the damage that alcohol does to the human body or the legal and social consequences of underage drinking, according to the report.
- Teenagers are not afraid of getting caught because they do not think drinking laws are strictly enforced. The second most common reason after socializing teenagers gave after "to socialize" was "relieve stress."
- Teachers and other educational professionals told the research team that they knew their alcohol awareness programs were not working.
Professors David Anderson and Hugh Gusterson used to telephone surveys of more than 1,600 teenagers and their parents, interviews with experts who work with teen alcoholism issues, and focus groups of teenagers and adults for their study entitled, "Understanding Teen Drinking Cultures in America."
One key finding is the role that families play in teenage drinking. Parental guidance is crucial, but older siblings also influence a younger children by providing alcohol or by guiding them in a positive way.
"We found that many parents find it difficult to talk to one another about the issue of teenage drinking," Dr. Gusterson said. "It is important that we find a way to help parents talk more candidly about the issue."
Other recommendations were to create clear and consistent messages about alcohol to establish ways for teenagers to talk frankly and openly about drinking with parents and other adults, and to believe that changing the teen drinking culture is possible.
Labels: teenage_drinking, alcohol_abuse
Posted By: Jane St. Clair