Perceptions
erceptions
versus Fact Teens mistakenly perceive that their peers are drinking more than they really are.
Parents often perceive that they would know if their teen was using or abusing alcohol.
Whatever your perceptions are, it is helpful to know the facts.
parents:
WHAT PARENTS BELIEVE: It’s someone else’s kid.
THE FACTS: Most parents underestimate the extent to which their teen is at risk. Less than 20% of the parents believe their child has ever had a drink. If you assume that it’s “someone else’s kid” who is drinking, ask yourself the question — do you really know? Monitor your teen’s behavior, talk to them about the negative impact of alcohol on their lives.
WHAT PARENTS BELIEVE: My teen is honest with me.
THE FACTS: Most parents surveyed (97% of moms, 91% of dads) felt that their teens shared their thoughts with them. But when it comes to getting the straight scoop, many kids report it differently. Only 50% of the teens agreed that they share their thoughts and feelings with their fathers, 66% with their mothers. Keep talking and dig deeper. Encourage conversation — ask questions that require more than just “yes” and “no” answers.
WHAT PARENTS BELIEVE: I would know if they used alcohol.
THE FACTS: The majority of parents believe this, but only a small portion of teens agree. Trust but verify; talk to your teens before they go out — and when they return home.
teens:
WHAT TEENS BELIEVE: Everyone drinks in my school.
THE FACTS: Only 22% of Owen County students reported having a drink in the last 30 days. They are in the minority. Encourage your teen to question their assumptions and help them realize that everyone isn’t drinking.
WHAT TEENS BELIEVE: It doesn’t matter, I’ll be 21 soon.
THE FACTS: It does matter, 40% of kids who begin drinking before age 15 will develop alcohol abuse or dependence at some point in their lives. That proportion drops to below 10% for those who begin drinking after age 21. Alcohol affects teens and adult differently. It’s worth the wait.
WHAT TEENS BELIEVE: Alcohol won’t hurt me.
THE FACTS: Alcohol hurts kids. In addition to drunk driving, alcohol is a major cause of many other types of fatal accidents including drownings, burns, falls, and alcohol poisoning from drinking too much too fast. It makes young people more susceptible to sexual assault and unprotected sex.
versus Fact Teens mistakenly perceive that their peers are drinking more than they really are.
Parents often perceive that they would know if their teen was using or abusing alcohol.
Whatever your perceptions are, it is helpful to know the facts.
parents:
WHAT PARENTS BELIEVE: It’s someone else’s kid.
THE FACTS: Most parents underestimate the extent to which their teen is at risk. Less than 20% of the parents believe their child has ever had a drink. If you assume that it’s “someone else’s kid” who is drinking, ask yourself the question — do you really know? Monitor your teen’s behavior, talk to them about the negative impact of alcohol on their lives.
WHAT PARENTS BELIEVE: My teen is honest with me.
THE FACTS: Most parents surveyed (97% of moms, 91% of dads) felt that their teens shared their thoughts with them. But when it comes to getting the straight scoop, many kids report it differently. Only 50% of the teens agreed that they share their thoughts and feelings with their fathers, 66% with their mothers. Keep talking and dig deeper. Encourage conversation — ask questions that require more than just “yes” and “no” answers.
WHAT PARENTS BELIEVE: I would know if they used alcohol.
THE FACTS: The majority of parents believe this, but only a small portion of teens agree. Trust but verify; talk to your teens before they go out — and when they return home.
teens:
WHAT TEENS BELIEVE: Everyone drinks in my school.
THE FACTS: Only 22% of Owen County students reported having a drink in the last 30 days. They are in the minority. Encourage your teen to question their assumptions and help them realize that everyone isn’t drinking.
WHAT TEENS BELIEVE: It doesn’t matter, I’ll be 21 soon.
THE FACTS: It does matter, 40% of kids who begin drinking before age 15 will develop alcohol abuse or dependence at some point in their lives. That proportion drops to below 10% for those who begin drinking after age 21. Alcohol affects teens and adult differently. It’s worth the wait.
WHAT TEENS BELIEVE: Alcohol won’t hurt me.
THE FACTS: Alcohol hurts kids. In addition to drunk driving, alcohol is a major cause of many other types of fatal accidents including drownings, burns, falls, and alcohol poisoning from drinking too much too fast. It makes young people more susceptible to sexual assault and unprotected sex.