Talking to Teens about Drinking
Broadcast Dates: Monday, April 2 - Friday, April 6
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With prom season approaching, now is a good time to talk to your teen about drinking.
Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, bringing you Healthy Moments. I’m the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH.
Teenage alcohol use continues to be a problem. Forty percent of teens report drinking by 8th grade, and 55 percent report being drunk at least once by 12th grade. And evidence suggests that drinking, particularly binge drinking, may have negative effects on adolescent development. Plus, it can increase the risk for alcohol dependence later in life – and associated GI and liver complications.
So what can you do? Well, research shows that teens do want their parents to have a say in whether they drink, and are more likely to respond to parents who provide a steady balance of support and discipline.
To learn more, visit our website at NIDDK, where you can hear more “Healthy Moments.” This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers.
Page last updated: April 02, 2012
