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OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The Washington State Coalition for Reducing Underage Drinking (RUaD) is launching a statewide television campaign, in March, to encourage parents to talk with their children about the dangers of teen drinking.
The campaign's catchphrase is: "Start talking before they start drinking!" It is aimed at parents, particularly those with children in middle school.
"National studies reveal a wide gap between the percentage of kids who are drinking, and the percentages of parents who think their kids are drinking," said Doug Allen, Director of the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse in the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
"The sad fact is, even when parents are very involved in their kids' lives, there can be ample opportunities for teen drinking. Parents should not be complacent about that possibility."
"We want parents to know that any use of alcohol for youth involves risk, not just binge drinking or drinking and driving. Alcohol use is strongly correlated with violence, risky sexual behavior, and poor academic performance. It has a greater impact on the developing adolescent brain," added Allen.
One of the public service announcements features a child in a recovery support group saying: "My name is Tyler, and in nine years I'll be an alcoholic. I'll start drinking in middle school, just at parties, and by the time my parents find out, I'll already be in some trouble."
The commercial goes on to note that children who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol problems when they reach adulthood.
Another announcement in the campaign reminds parents that children watch and imitate what they do, including how often they drink. The ad features several adults drinking at a party where children are present, and the ad asks parents: "How strong are the bonds between alcohol and the way you celebrate?"
The television ads direct parents to visit www.StartTalkingNow.org to get information about the short and long-term consequences of underage drinking, and tips for parents on starting conversations about alcohol.
A brochure created by the campaign has the same title as the public service announcements' tagline: "Start Talking Before They Start Drinking."
DSHS is one of 22 agencies that are members of the RUaD Coalition and share oversight of the statewide program funded by the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Other state agencies involved in the Start Talking campaign include the Department of Health, the Liquor Control Board, the Traffic Safety Commission, and the Washington National Guard. The other member agencies are listed on the campaign Web site: http://www.StartTalkingNow.org/stateefforts/ruadcoalitionroster.shtml.
"This campaign urges parents to take underage drinking and its consequences seriously, and to talk with their children before they risk becoming addicted to alcohol," added Allen.
Washington State teen drinking:
-- SOURCE: 2004 State Survey Data
TO SEE THE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS: http://www.adcouncil.org/default.aspx?id=263.
HBO ADDICTION SERIES: A 14-film series on addiction issues (ADDICTION: COMMUNITIES TAKE ACTION) begins Sunday, March 15, with a 90-minute documentary. The project, which continues through March 30 on HBO and through April 16 on HBO On Demand, includes DVDs and free weekend cable access to HBO in many markets, enabling non-subscribers to see the opening segment of the series. The films also will be available in a four-DVD set and are accompanied by a Viewer's Guide, which is posted on the Internet. For more information, visit http://www.AddictionAction.org.
WASHINGTON STATE HELP LINE: For referrals to addiction treatment in Washington State, and to find out about state-funded treatment, call the Washington State Alcohol and Drug Help Line: 1-800-562-1240.
FOR ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND, CONTACT:
Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-902-7604 (Pager: 360-971-4067).
