Some parents believe that providing alcohol and allowing teenagers to drink in a supervised setting can encourage responsible alcohol use. But the science suggests that this approach may be likely to backfire. Risk factors are things that increase the likelihood that a teen may drink alcohol underage.

• In 2024, more than one in four college students (28%) report they did not consume alcohol in the past 12 months, and 48 percent report they did not drink alcohol in the past 30-days.
• If you are concerned about your child’s drug or alcohol use, the Teen Recovery Program at Children’s Health can help them improve mental health and overcome addiction.
• Moreover, if your son or daughter eventually does begin to drink, a good relationship with you will help protect him or her from developing alcohol-related problems.
• According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking is responsible for more than 90% of the alcohol consumed by adolescents.
• In the 2022 Florida State Report, 34.8% of youth between drank alcohol in May of that year alone.

Statistics on alcohol use in teens

In the U.S., approximately 31.1% of youth between ages 12 to 20 have teen drinking consumed alcohol. Of this amount, nearly 28% had reportedly consumed alcohol in the past year. In the 2022 Florida State Report, 34.8% of youth between drank alcohol in May of that year alone.

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No matter which way you cut it, a minor drinking at home can have legal ramifications that set a less-than-positive example. During adolescence, the brain undergoes major remodeling, including maturation of the GABA system. Research shows that healthy adolescents aged years have lower levels of GABA in their frontal lobes than young adults aged years. Underage drinking has a worse impact on the brain than older drinkers. This is because the brain is still developing until around age 25.

Why Is Teenage Drinking Dangerous?

Avoid making jokes about underage drinking or drunkenness, or otherwise showing acceptance of teen alcohol use. Research shows that kids whose parents or friends’ parents provide alcohol for teen get-togethers are more likely to engage in heavier drinking, to drink more often, and to get into traffic crashes. Remember, too, that in almost every State it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors who are not family members. A family history of substance or alcohol use disorder is another potential risk factor, especially when teens report feeling Alcoholics Anonymous euphoric after drinking.

• The consequences may not be immediately evident in cognitive tests; in a young brain, the regions responsible for problem solving can work a little bit harder to make up for the deficits.
• Think of this talk with your child as the first part of an ongoing conversation.
• A national resource working to reduce teen substance abuse and to support families impacted by addiction.
• While underage drinking poses a significant risk to young people, there are several ways that parents and other adults can help prevent it.