Earlier than you think. Kids start to absorb messages from parents, neighbors, and TV very early. When kids are small it is advised to use teachble moments to make a point about alcohol in age appropriate ways. By the time they reach middle school, open discussions about alcohol and its risks for kids should be occurring. Kids who hear these messages before they are faced with a decision are better equiped to say no. You can find effective ways to talk to your kids (talking tips) by clicking on the Parent Resource tab on the menu.

No, except under very specific religous ceramonies.

We're presently putting together a detailed answer for this question. Check back in a week or so. Until then you should realize that the ramifications are substantial.

Differences in times, we know more know about brain development, etc.

It is not illegal for parents to serve their children alcohol in the privacy of their own home in Illinois. But it is against the law to serve anyone else's child, even if their parents are present to give permission. The negative effects of alcohol on youth, owever, should be compelling enough to stop parents from serving any teen.

No. Underage drinking has direct affects on the development of the brain and has many other dangerous issues other than drinking and driving.

There are many theories regarding dangerous teen drinking behaviour: the influence of the media, the acceptance of teen drinking in our culture, the ease of availability of alcohol, money, and cars, and the high level of pressure that many teens feel today.

Unfortunately no. In recent youth surveys, some teens admitted that they had driven under the influence or ridden with someone else who was impaired. Not all the time, but some of the time.

Besides the important negative effects on their bodies, consequences include: arrest and convition of an ordinance or state violation, fines, potential license restrictions, athletic or extra-curricular violations, and elimination from consideration for honor scoieties and some scholarships or school admissions. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs results in the loss of the driver's license as well.

Actually, just the opposite is true. In a recent university study, it was revealed that the kids who had serious problems with alcohol in college were the ones who had been drinking in high school and had adopted that behavior as part of their definition of having fun. Thos that did not drink early were less likely to develop alcohol problems in college and later in life as well.

Yes. Youth under 21 may not have any alcohol in their system while driving, or they could be subject to a DUI if caught. The speed at which alcohol is eliminated from the system depends on many variables so there is no sure way (other than a breathalyzer) to determine BAX (Blood Alcohol Level). Impariment to driving skills happens ver quickly, even with low levels of alcohol.

Yes, talking to kids about boundaries and expectations really does make a difference. In recent surveys among high school youth, those who said their parents have firm rules about alcohol use were half as likely to use. And kids report that the nuumber one reason they don't use is "disappointing their parents".

Parents still play an important role, even if kids are living away. Listen closely for signs of distress or problems from alcohol, set reasonable expectations for academic performance if they are in college, and let kids know the risks of problems related to drinking. Encourage them to stand up for the right not to drink or binge.

NO! To many people's surprise, European countries now have youth binge drinking levels even higher than in the US. Early exposure to alcohol does not appear to prevent risky drinking among today's youth.

First, be alert to alcohol smell on the breath. Ask for the "I'm home safe kiss." Be suspicious if your child is chomping on mints or gum each time he/she comes home. Check for disorientation, vomiting, and tell-tale signs of hangovers. Monitor your home alcohol supply and check baclpacks or stashes in bedrooms or basements if you suspect a problem.