Alcohol Education: Teaching Responsible Drinking From a Young Age

Throughout the generations, kids have engaged in various activities. From hanging out at the mall, spending hours at the arcade, or attending concerts, their preferred activities may have changed a lot over the decades. But what hasn’t changed is the rebellious nature of teens and the tendency of some to enter the drinking world too soon. So, how can we teach responsible drinking habits in a way that actually benefits them? 

Let’s walk in their shoes and look at drinking from their perspective, and see how the information we give them can actually make a difference. 

What Is Responsible Drinking?

Responsible drinking can mean different things. Generally speaking, it means following alcohol laws, staying within low to moderate drinking guidelines, and minimizing harm from alcohol use. But there’s nuance when we take into account the current situation.

Underage drinking continues to be a huge problem. So, even though underage drinkers aren’t adhering to alcohol laws, there are still ways to practice more responsible drinking. Let’s learn more about the detrimental effects of underage drinking to teach responsible drinking habits in a way that’s effective. 

Consequences of Kids Drinking Alcohol

Drinking is associated with a long list of harms, but underage drinking has even greater consequences. Let’s explore what they are.

• Impaired development. Our brain continues to develop into our late 20s. When we’re exposed to alcohol at a young age, our brain doesn’t develop properly, leading to issues with cognitive function, mood regulation, memory, and more. 
• Higher chance of risky behaviors. Areas of the brain that allow us to make sound decisions for our health and well-being are still developing. On top of that, alcohol further impairs our judgment — increasing the chances of risky behaviors.
• Legal issues. Not adhering to drinking laws and risky behaviors can lead to legal trouble, which can leave lasting impacts on a person far beyond their youth. 
• Derailing of future goals. Drinking can impact a child’s education and future plans, making it more difficult to attend college, find employment, or reach other personal life goals. 
• Increased risk for AUD. Research shows that the earlier someone starts drinking, the higher the risk of developing AUD later in life. 

Teaching responsible drinking can help prevent and limit these consequences, but how old should kids be when we expose them to this information? Let’s find out.

When Should You Start Teaching Safe Drinking Habits? 

We might be looking for an exact number, but there’s no “right” answer for when to start teaching safe drinking habits. In fact, we can start early by helping kids build healthy lifestyle habits that will continue into responsible drinking habits later. Let’s break down age-appropriate ways to teach kids about safe drinking habits (or really any safe habits):

• Toddlers. At this age, it’s not about alcohol, but we can still teach important skills that are relevant to safe habits. Foster positive skills such as open communication, problem solving, and emotional regulation, so the child will feel more connected to you.
• School-aged children. During this time, kids become more observant and curious. They might be exposed to alcohol as something only adults drink, whether it’s at family gatherings or something they see on TV. Use that curiosity to teach them about alcohol’s effects on the body, sharing facts instead of fear. It’s important for them to understand that children shouldn’t drink and adults who do so should drink responsibly.
• Preteens. At this time, kids are becoming more independent and choosing who they want to be around. Kids want to fit in, and as they’re finding their footing in the world, it’s important to foster self-confidence and help them work through certain situations, such as declining alcohol or asking for help. Encouraging connections with positive influences can also ensure they make better choices. At this age, kids are also more aware of actions and consequences. It’s a good time to introduce the short- and long-term effects of alcohol, inform them of alcohol laws, and set clear expectations for their behavior.
• Teenagers. As teens get older, there are more opportunities to be exposed to alcohol. Make sure to provide good reasons not to drink rather than just threatening consequences. Try proposing some activities the whole family can do on a Friday night rather than leaving them alone. At the same time, stick to established rules and treat them like an adult by carrying out the consequences. Although teens want to be independent, they’re still highly impressionable. So, lead by example and stay involved by checking in regularly but not obsessively. 
• Young adults. During this time, kids might be living on their own and making their own choices. It’s still important to encourage them to make responsible choices by reminding them of potential consequences. It’s also a good time to teach them about other safe drinking habits such as planning out rides ahead of time, not leaving their drink unattended, and tracking their consumption. Young adults might be more independent, but it’s still a good idea to stay involved so they know they can ask for help when they need it.

Starting the conversation early fosters open communication about alcohol and a better understanding of its effects. But what should this “conversation” consist of? Let’s get into more detail about what exactly we should be talking about.

What To Include in Alcohol Abuse Education

Covering a range of topics helps kids understand the extent of alcohol’s effects and why their choices matter. Here are some of the more important topics to cover.

• The nature of alcohol and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Highlight the fact that alcohol is a drug that can change the way we think and act. The way it impacts our brain and body can lead to dependence and AUD. Understanding alcohol for what it is takes away some of the appeal and reminds them how much alcohol can impact our lives. 
• Facts about underage drinking. Kids might be tempted to drink because other kids are. Provide facts about underage drinking — for example, adults who begin drinking before age 15 are 3.5 times more likely to get AUD. Or share the fact that in 2011 some 188,000 people under age 21 were hospitalized for alcohol-related injuries. Hard facts liken these help kids grasp the severity of underage drinking.
• Real examples of the harms of drinking. Alcohol can cause many long-term issues, but most kids won’t understand (or care) what that actually means. Show them videos of what alcohol-related liver damage can look like or provide real-life stories about people whose lives were affected by alcohol. It also helps to be honest about your own experience with alcohol, letting kids know they can be honest and vulnerable with you.
• What responsible drinking means. As we’ve established, responsible drinking can take different forms. Teach kids what the different levels of drinking are so they know what drinking moderately or having one standard drink actually means.
• Strategies to practice responsible drinking. Equip them with tools to actually practice responsible drinking. Introduce tracking consumption, identifying triggers, learning to stand up to peer pressure, and setting limits.
• Positive coping strategies. Alcohol is often used to escape or distract from uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. Teach positive coping strategies such as maintaining boundaries, practicing mindfulness, opting for alternatives, or engaging in creative pursuits.
• Information about support programs. Let them know what’s out there so they know they can ask for help when they need it. These days, there’s much more out there than traditional rehab programs. Inform them about alcohol reduction apps, support groups, and even holistic treatment options. 

Teaching kids about alcohol doesn’t have to feel like they’re in class. In fact, that might make them not want to listen. Discuss topics when they come up naturally and try to inspire rather than lecture.

Tips for Teaching Alcohol Responsibility to Youth

The information is important, but the way we present the information is equally as important. Here are some helpful teaching strategies.

• Lead by example. If we tell our kids to drink responsibly but we’re not doing so ourselves, they’ll be less likely to see us as role models and less likely to take our advice seriously, undermining the important lessons we’re trying to convey. To learn more about how parental drinking habits affect children, read “How Alcohol Misuse in Parents Affects Their Children.”
• Use facts, not fear. Don’t try to stretch the truth or come up with alcohol-related horror stories just to scare your kids. That can backfire, as kids are generally rebellious and may lose trust in us if we’re overly dramatic about it. Stick to the facts, which are scary enough. 
• Make it interactive. We don’t want this to be another lecture at school that they snooze through. Make it interactive by incorporating videos, role-playing, and asking for their input. 
• Avoid harsh judgment. It’s important to be firm but also approach without harsh judgment. Our kids will understand the importance of the rules but won’t be too scared to ask for help if they know we’re on their side.
• Set clear expectations. Having established expectations helps kids understand the importance of responsible drinking. Be clear to avoid confusion and check for understanding.

These practices help kids understand the severity of alcohol’s effects without causing fear or shame. It sets them up to make more informed and conscious decisions about drinking.

From Fear to Fuel

As a parent, it’s scary to hear that another young person has died or gotten hurt due to alcohol. But we can use that fear to take proactive measures to support our kids — starting at a young age — in making responsible drinking decisions in the future. Not only is it important to provide the facts about the harm of alcohol and underage drinking, but it’s also essential to find that fine line between firmness and understanding as we lead by example. As sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois said, “Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.”