This document discusses the dangers of underage drinking. It notes that the brain is not fully developed until age 23-25 and drinking can cause permanent damage. It also says that underage drinking leads to risky behaviors like unprotected sex and crime. Additionally, it costs the state $1.7 billion annually to deal with alcohol-related crashes and injuries among youth. The document provides tips for parents to prevent underage drinking through open communication, supervision, and being a positive role model.

1. Alcohol Damages the
Teenage Brain
SaveBrains.org

2. Anyone younger than 21 cannot legally
consume or purchase alcohol
Adults who administer alcohol can be
arrested
Heavy consequences
Up to two years behind bars
$5,000 fine
It’s Illegal

3. The human brain takes 23-25 years to fully
develop.
Inhibiting this process through underage
drinking can lead to permanent
consequences.
Affects on the Teen

4. Alcohol-related car crashes kill someone
every 31 minutes.
Yearly, the reparations for crime, crashes,
injuries and death due to underage drinking
cost the state of Georgia $1.7 billion.
Affects on the Community

5. Risky
Behaviors
Youth who don’t
drink
Youth who drink
provided by parents
Youth who drink
without permission
Lied to parents
about
whereabouts
31% 71% 85%
Engaged in
consensual sexual
activity
13% 54% 56%
Stole from a store 15% 41% 55%
Skipped school 8% 39% 47%
Risky Behaviors of Teens

6. “Teens are going to drink anyway – it’s a rite of
passage.”
Most teens do NOT drink. 70% of high
school students said they do not drink
alcohol.
“It’s safer for teens to drink at my home than
elsewhere.”
Adult supervised drinking results in more
Mythbusters of Underage Drinking

7. Create a positive, loving home environment.
Talk about the risks of underage drinking.
Know your teen’s friends and activities.
Ensure an alcohol-free environment.
Parents can stop teen drinking

8. I got invited to a party - can I go?
Ask if a parent that you trust will be there. Follow up with
a phone call!
If alcohol is so bad, why do you drink?
Explain that adults drink for different reasons
It is legal for adults to drink
the adult brain is fully developed
Be an example of low-risk drinking choices
“You don’t have to drink to be popular”
Why is alcohol bad for me?
Don’t use scare tactics.
Explain that alcohol can damage growing brains and
How to Answer FAQs from Teens

9. Eat dinner together regularly.
Keep track of the alcohol in your home. Count it
and lock it up.
Surround your child with positive role models.
What can you do to prevent
underage drinking?

10. SaveBrains.o
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