A community coalition to prevent substance abuse recently surveyed over 500 teens and adults about their perceptions of underage drinking.
“While the survey did not ask about actual behaviors related to underage drinking, the results give a glimpse into what the community perceives about the issue. A comparison of answers by the two groups reveals that teens and parents have varying perceptions of what young people drink, when they drink and why.” [Source: Brandermill (VA) Community Association]
Among the most interesting results were answers to the question “Why do you think high school students drink?”
- Most parents (56%) think teens drink to fit in, while only 35% of teens say that’s the reason.
- In comparison, 31% of teens said they drink to feel good or relieve stress, while only 11% of parents cited that as a reason.
- The disparities point to some important shifts that need to happen in adults’ perceptions of underage drinking – shifts that could help us address the problem more effectively.
Labels: alcohol abuse, parents, underage-drinking
Posted By: Aspen Education Group