11Cares: Teens Speak Out on Underage Drinking
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Posted: 4:15 PM Jul 7, 2009
11Cares: Teens Speak Out on Underage Drinking
It's scary, but alcohol abuse is starting earlier in young people's lives.
Reporter: Natalie Pallone
Email Address: natalie.pallone@nbc11news.com
width:200 and height: 135 and picwidth: 200 and pciheight: 135
Font Size:

It's scary, but alcohol abuse is starting earlier in young people's lives.

Many kids admit to having their first sip before they even reach high school.

According to a 2007 youth risk behavior survey from School District 51, 25 percent of students surveyed admitted to having their first full drink before the age of 13.

So why do kids start drinking?

Some local high school students got real with 11 News Anchor Natalie Pallone and shared their experiences with alcohol.


Local Power for Parents
Mesa County Underage Drinking Prevention Task Force
Statistics, links to community resources, and information on underage drinking prevention efforts in Mesa County.
Resources for Parents
A full list of resources available to parents.
Strong Families, Safe Kids
A parent resource section with parenting and discipline tips.
Mesa County Health Department
The Mesa County Health Department Health Promotion division offers health and wellness education services for individuals and groups to improve health and safety in a variety of areas.
National Power for Parents
Alive at 25
Sections for teens and parents on underage drinking and driving, safe driving and more.
The Partnership for a Drug Free America
An online resource center featuring interactive tools that translate the latest science and research on teen behavior, addiction and treatment into easy to understand tips and tools for parents.
Connect with Kids
Videos with information for parents about how and when to talk to your kids about a variety of subjects, including underage drinking.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Statistics on underage drinking, the dangers of underage drinking, and links to additional research into underage drinking.
Time to Talk
Easy-to-use guides and tips to help you have ongoing conversations with your kids to keep them healthy and drug-free.
Save A Life Tour
Uses multi-million dollar drinking and driving simulators and high-intensity videos to send its message. Find information on how to book the tour as well as a virtual tour.
Al-Anon and Alateen
Resources, meeting information and more for people with alcohol problems and their families.
Parents. The anti-drug.
A conversation about the risks of alcohol use has to occur between you and your teen. With a little practice and a little preparation, you will find that it's a conversation that gets easier over time and can save lives.
Join Together
Support community-based efforts to advance effective alcohol and drug policy, prevention, and treatment. Find free Internet services supporting their efforts.