The beginning of 2009 brings a fantastic opportunity to start practicing new behaviors. Experts recommend that we start small when making changes, so here are a few things that you can do in five minutes or less to help prevent underage drinking:
- Say thank you.
Encourage those who are already helping to make a difference. Thank the convenience store clerk for carding you; thank parents for hosting alcohol-free parties; thank business owners for removing alcohol ads that might appeal to kids.
- Watch yourself.
Pay attention to how you react to alcohol advertisements, and how you talk about alcohol around youth. Sometimes we send mixed messages without even thinking about it.
- Speak up.
Give a voice to the silent majority by letting peers know how you feel. We can all support each other—parent to parent, teen to teen, business owner to business owner.
- Know the facts.
Check out these websites to stay up to date on the latest research and strategies:
US Surgeon General's groundbreaking Call to Action to Prevent Underage Drinking
Marin Institute, an alcohol industry watchdog
Stop Alcohol Abuse, a portal of Federal resources for information on underage drinking
- Talk it up.
Share what you learn with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues.
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