By Kathy Davidson
Teens and adolescents are learning more from online, social media, and their peers, which shape their perceptions on topics in our society today, from politics to mental health. However, studies show parents still matter the most.
According to the 2022 MADD Parent & Teen Perceptions Survey, 60% of teens say their parents are the biggest influence on their decisions, while friends follow behind at 23%. This shows your voice matters more to your kids than you might realize.
Talking to your children about waiting until age 21 to drink allows you to protect them, especially emphasizing the effects of alcohol on adolescent and developing bodies. When parents remain silent on alcohol education, teens are left to fill in the gaps with incomplete, false, or intentionally persuasive information.
Why does waiting matter so much?
In the US, the average age of first alcohol use is about 15 years old, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. And the consequences can be serious – AAA highlights that across the country, 13,135 people have been killed in a crash involving a teen driver between 2019-2023. The CDC reports that the earlier someone begins drinking, the more likely they are to develop alcohol dependence later in life. At the same time, the brain continues developing until around age 25, making it especially vulnerable to the effects of alcohol and other substances.
No parent wants that future for their child.
And the influence doesn’t stop with words—our actions matter too. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children as young as 8 are already forming opinions about alcohol, and according to the CDC, teens are more likely to drink if their parents drink frequently. Whether we realize it or not, our children are always watching, listening, and learning.
As parents, we repeat what matters. We remind our children to wear their seatbelts, to look both ways, to drive safely. Not just once, but over and over again, because their safety makes it worth repeating.
So why should conversations about alcohol be any different?
Talking about the risks of underage drinking shouldn’t be a one-time discussion. It should be ongoing, honest, and clear. These conversations don’t have to be perfect, they just have to happen.
Because the truth is, underage drinking isn’t a harmless rite of passage. It’s a risk to their health, their safety, and their future.
Your voice matters. Your example matters. Your consistency matters.
Be the one who tells them the truth. Be the one who equips them with the knowledge and confidence to make safe choices. To learn effective ways to talk with your children about underage drinking, explore MADD’s Power of Parents Handbook. You can also learn more about substance use among minors here.
Start the conversation today.
Based in Texas, Kathy Davidson is a Senior Program Specialist at MADD where she works at the state level to design and implement prevention programs, train facilitators, and support community partners.
