While many parents may think that allowing their teens and their teens’ friends to drink at home under adult supervision keeps kids safe and leads to healthier attitudes about drinking, the truth is that there are serious negative consequences for both parents and teens. Giving alcohol to teens increases their risk of harm in several ways:
- Increased likelihood of binge drinking: When teens are introduced to alcohol at a young age, they may not yet have developed the ability to moderate their drinking. This can lead to binge drinking, which is a dangerous pattern of consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period. Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, impaired judgment, and risky behaviors.
- Impaired brain development: The brain is not fully developed until a person’s mid-20s, and alcohol consumption can interfere with this process. Studies have shown that heavy drinking during adolescence can have long-term effects on brain development, including decreased cognitive function and increased risk of addiction.
- Increased likelihood of risky behaviors: Teens who consume alcohol are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence, unprotected sex, and drug use. These behaviors can have serious consequences and increase the risk of injury or illness.
- Increased risk of addiction: Early exposure to alcohol can increase the likelihood of developing alcohol addiction later in life. This is because the brain is still developing during adolescence, and alcohol can alter brain chemistry in a way that makes addiction more likely.
Parents who serve alcohol to teenagers at home may also believe they are under no legal jeopardy. In reality, it is a violation of Missouri law to knowingly allow a person under 21 to drink or possess alcohol or knowingly fail to stop a person under the age of twenty-one from drinking or possessing alcohol. The City of Clayton’s Social Host Ordinance also holds adults responsible for providing a venue for underage drinking, knowingly or unknowingly.
Underage drinking continues to be a pervasive problem among youth. According to the 2022 Missouri Student Survey, 24% of CHS students drank in the past month, and 71% reported that it is ‘very’ or ‘sort of’ easy to get alcohol.
It is important to educate teens about the risks associated with alcohol consumption, reduce access, and model responsible drinking habits. To reduce underage drinking:
- Keep alcohol locked up and away from where youth can access it.
- Talk about it. Research shows that teens are much less likely to drink if their parents express disapproval. Use the Talk About It resources to help you in your conversation. Make sure your child knows where you stand on drug and alcohol use.
- Be a positive role model. Model healthy behaviors around substance use.
- Provide adequate supervision. Know where your child is, who they’re with, and what the plans are. Use the Weekend and Party Guide to help you.
- Support healthy, engaging activities for youth. One way to help reduce and prevent underage drinking is to encourage youth to get involved in activities outside of the school day.