Posted on: Friday, December 21, 2001

Project fights under-age drinking

By Alice Keesing
Advertiser Health Writer

A public education group is encouraging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of under-age drinking.

The Cancer Research Center's Project PAU (Preventing Alcohol Use Among Youths) recently conducted focus sessions with 30 parents across the state to find the best ways to encourage parents to prevent under-age drinking.

The No. 1 drug problem among youth in America is alcohol. Studies show that more than 80 percent of Hawai'i's 12th-graders have used alcohol and 55 percent have consumed enough to get drunk. Thirty-one percent of sixth-graders have used alcohol.

"It seems that the frat parties of the college eras have drifted down to the intermediate level already. So it has become spooky because the kids don't understand what other consequences go with it," according to one Big Island parent who participated in the focus sessions.

Here are some ways parents can help according to Project PAU:

• Set a good example. Avoid using alcohol as a way to relax or cope with problems. Don't drink under unsafe conditions, such as while driving.

• Listen to your children. Pay attention to them and play an active role in their lives. Build their self-esteem and avoid constant criticism.

• Offer your advice. The teen-age years often bring strong feeling and emotions. Help you child learn to deal with emotional pain and tension.

• Keep the lines of communication open. Encourage discussion on topics of concern to your teenager: alcohol, drugs, sex and the need for peer group acceptance. Education about alcohol should begin early.

• Encourage enjoyable and worthwhile outside activities. Avoid turning too much of you child's leisure time into chores.