POWER OF PARENTS
3 out of 4 teens say their parents
are the leading influence on their
decisions about drinking.
Start the conversation now
Research shows that young people who drink are a danger to themselves, their friends, and others. For over 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.
PowerTalk 21®
PowerTalk 21® day—April 21st—is the national day for parents to talk with their kids about alcohol. Watch this year’s PowerTalk 21 press conference held in Washington, DC.
Resources
Start the Conversation Today!
MADD’s Power of Parents handbooks give you the tools to start talking with your children about this important topic. By reading these handbooks and following their guidelines, you can substantially reduce the chance your son or daughter will drink before the age of 21.
One Mother's Story
Casey, my oldest son, was a ‘good kid’—on the honor roll every semester, in the marching band, in choir, and on the wrestling and football teams. I never really worried about him throughout high school.I had the false sense of security that he had the maturity to drink alcohol even though he was underage, but I was wrong. Casey died from alcohol poisoning at the age of 18.I never talked to Casey about alcohol. If I had it all to do over again? I would have been very clear that underage drinking was unacceptable.When I found that bottle of rum Casey had hidden in my garage, I would have taken it out and set it on my kitchen counter. We would have discussed why I did not want him drinking. I would have spoken to him about alcohol more often. As a result, I believe Casey would be alive today.
National Presenting Sponsor:
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®.
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