As you prepare to send your child back to school, it is vital that you also discuss with them what it means to be a safe rider. There may be a point when your child is a passenger with a driver that is not their parent or guardian. Helping them understand what it means to be a safe passenger can go a long way in keeping them safe. MADD has recommendations for what to discuss with your child – no matter how old they are.
Research shows that young people who drink are a danger to themselves, their friends, and others. For more than 20 years, hundreds of high quality clinical studies in the United States and Europe have shown that the earlier in life young people drink, the more frequent and severe the problems they face in the short and long term.
Science shows that a child’s brain works differently from an adult’s brain. It is important to realize that no matter how mature young people act they are not simply small versions of adults. Young peoples’ brains are still in a critical period of development well into their 20’s. Alcohol interferes with both how brains and bodies grow.
As a parent, you have power to equip your child to make smarter, safer choices and to help prevent tragedies.
Let us send you a list of conversation starters and other resources this spring.
Research shows that kids and teens who drink are a danger to themselves, their friends, and others. The sooner kids drink, the more severe the problems they face in the long and short term.
It begins by asking the right questions, such as:
Your teen could already be drinking, and even have a drinking problem, if alcohol is missing from bottles or cans in your home, or you’ve discovered alcohol hidden in your teen’s backpack, car, or room. Take our short quiz to find out more.
Parents rely on certain strategies for raising their children. Research shows these parenting styles fall in to one of four basic categories. Find out which style of parent you are by answering a few short questions.
Sometimes, teens face situations where they are pressured to do something they would rather not do. For example, a friend might push your teen to have a drink when your son or daughter doesn’t want to. Practice some strategies.
Teen drinking is a bigger deal than you might think. The law says it’s illegal to drink under the age of 21; and it’s illegal for someone under 21 to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol. Get the facts on some of the most common myths.
We are proud of our partnership with Nationwide Insurance, who supports our entire mission through a MADD/Nationwide affinity program, our mission of underage drinking prevention through our Power of Parents® program, and our Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® through their sponsorship of Tie One On For Safety®.