Parents Urged to Talk About Alcohol Risks This Spring

Spring is on the way. It's a time when some young people like to get outside or attend a party and drink alcohol.

NEXT MONTH A CHANCE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS TO TALK ABOUT CONCERNS

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and officials with Safe Yakima Valley say it's a chance for parents to talk to young people about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs before kids are exposed to them. "Talk. They Hear You" is the name of Safe Yakima Valley's campaign which encourages parents and caregivers to have short frequent conversations about the risks of drugs and alcohol.

BEING OPEN AND TALKING WITH TEENS COULD SAVE A LIFE

A press release from Safe Yakima Valley says "research suggests that THE most important protective factor in healthy child development is a strong, open relationship with a parent." 63% of kids in Yakima County say their parents or caregivers talked with them about not drinking alcohol according to a recent survey. 36% of 8th graders say they received alcohol at home with permission.

THAT FIRST EXPERIENCE COULD MEAN A LIFETIME OF ADDICTION

Safe Yakima Valley says if a child uses any substance they have a 34% chance of developing a long term problem in the future.
And how about this finding, 41% of 12th graders in Yakima County think it's easy to get alcohol.

HERE'S YOUR CHANCE

So what can parents do today? Safe Yakima Valley officials say forget about waiting for the right time to have a conversation. They say some common situations give you a chance to discuss drunk and drug-impaired driving:

· When your child asks to borrow the car;

· When you’re at the dinner table together;

· When your child asks if he or she can ride with a friend to school/an event/a party;

· When you’re running weekend errands;

· When you’re at the grocery store;

· When you and your child are in the car together.

For more information check the Safe Yakima Valley website.