There’s no question why the U.S. Government is imposing strict rules and regulations regarding underage drinking. Almost all states require individuals to provide their valid ID before they are given or served alcohol in any alcohol-serving premises. Of course, certifications are important, like the BASSET certificate for servers and bartenders.
However, fake IDs are rampant these days, and worse, they can make them in the comfort of their own home. While different states require various certifications for any alcohol-serving establishment with their employees to detect fake IDs and underage drinkers, the problem continues to persist.
In this guide, there are several ways where we can hold these individuals accountable for their wrongdoings. Below are ways to prevent or limit underage drinking in the United States.
What is Underage Drinking?
Underage drinking can be viewed in so many ways, depending on what country you live in. However, in the United States, individuals below 21 years old who drink alcohol are considered a part of this group.
In the United States, underage drinking is a common issue the government faces, and there are only a few instances where underage drinking is allowed. One such case is when the person is part of a religious ceremony. Also, underage drinking is dangerous, as well as alcohol drinking in general.
Not only can it result in accidents and deaths, but it can also affect many people, especially teenage minds whose brains are continuing to develop. Because of this, the government is taking a firm stand regarding underage drinking. It’s about time to tell these kids that alcohol consumption is bad and it’s not okay.
While it’s easy to say it can be stopped, we can’t do that overnight. Let’s face it, education among teenagers will take some time. For the most part, many people should also participate in it, not only their family, friends, and the government. It should be a collective effort from everyone.
5 Ways To Stop Teenage Drinking
Fortunately, we can stop underage drinking at a very early age. How? Other than BASSET certificate and training for restaurant or bar servers and sellers, children must be educated. Education doesn’t work in school, and it should still be in the four corners of your home. Here are five ways to stop teenage drinking.
- Talk to Your Kids
This is one of the great ways to stop underage drinking. Education starts at home and not in school. However, there should be a compromise. Not a lot of teenagers are being told what things they shouldn’t do. Why? Because if you do this, they will just stop listening to you.
Underage drinking is a serious topic to open up to your child. So, don’t do it overnight. It is a slow and steady process. It is highly recommended to be an ongoing conversation at home and not be discussed in a single day. Always ask them how they feel about underage drinking; they should tell you everything they need to know.
Don’t force them to if they are still uncomfortable with these topics. Ask them if they have friends who drink while also talking about social norms and peer pressure during this moment. Don’t judge. Always build this trust and connection with your kids. This way, they can be vocal about what you should know instead of putting up a tall fence that makes educating them hard.
- Let Them Know the Risks Involved
Most of the time, kids think underage drinking is a small topic, but it’s not. But did you know underage drinkers drink more alcohol than adult drinkers? This means that kids don’t drink to have fun; they drink because they want to be intoxicated and do many things that come with drinking.
There are ramifications regarding underage drinking, including getting kicked out of school, from the varsity team, or, worse, getting into an addiction. So, tell these things to your child and tell them it’s not worth it to drink and face the consequences of their actions. Tell them regret is in the end.
- Be A Good Influence
Most of the time, kids will learn from their parents, if they see their parents drinking alcohol, then their curious minds will soon think this is a good thing. To avoid givin them this particular idea, it is strongly recommended to avoid alcohol drinking in front of your children. If it can’t be helped, go out of your home and spend the night at a bar or any alcohol-serving establishment.
Before you go home, be sure they are already asleep to avoid any questions regarding your alcohol drinking. On a positive note, if you’re not drinking alcohol, the best way you can do is educate them regarding the risks associated with alcohol drinking, including obtaining a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate if they plan on working in the hospitality industry.
Wrapping Things Up
Underage drinking is not only a problem at home, but also with the government. Fortunately, there are plenty of rules and regulation to limit the intake of alcohol among individuals 20 and below.
There are plenty of ways to prevent or limit underage drinking and one of the best ways is educating your kids at home.
