Posted Aug 8, 2009
Many parents in Lancaster County believe that introducing their teens to alcohol in a controlled, home environment reduces the chances their teens will misuse alcohol.
A new Pennsylvania State University research study adds to the growing body of evidence that teens who receive permission to drink from their parents, no matter how controlled the event, drink more, not less, than their peers.
Researcher Caitlin Abar, of the school’s Prevention Research and Methodology Center, found no distinction between parents who allowed their children to drink alcohol such as wine or beer during meals and those who tolerated drinking outside the home.
Abar surveyed 300 college freshmen and correlated their alcohol use to the drinking rules set by their parents. She found that students whose parents had a zero-tolerance policy toward alcohol were less likely to report heavy drinking in college.
In addition, the greater number of drinks allowed by a parent, the more likely it was the teen would drink and get drunk once she got to college. These findings support a 2007 study of sixth-graders and their families, which found that children who were permitted to drink by their parents were up to three times more likely to get drunk and almost twice as likely to drink heavily (five or more drinks at one sitting) at ages 12-14.
Parents in the U.S. can be misled by media reports of “relaxed” European drinking practices resulting in safer alcohol consumption. Europeans, however, are beginning to realize the consequences of lenient laws and attitudes. Many European countries are raising their drinking ages and are putting more efforts into prevention for youth.
Parents can find tips for talking with their children about alcohol and other drug use at .
Source: Compass Mark. Contact Information & Referral Specialist Amy Sechrist for more information, 299-2831.
Date: Aug 3, 2009
