Talking to Teens about Drinking
Broadcast Dates: Monday, October 10 – Sunday, October 16
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For parents with teenagers, back-to-school can be challenging – including those talks about alcohol.
Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, bringing you Healthy Moments from the NIH. I’m the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
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: October 11, 2011