Alcohol is the number one substance abused by youth and the most frequent “drug of choice” for youth surveyed in the Sacramento County region. Studies show that parents have significant influence on young people’s decisions about alcohol consumption—especially when parents create supportive environments in which their children can make their own decisions.
The Sacramento County Coalition for Youth (SCCY), in partnership with the Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Arden Arcade, is rolling out out an awareness campaign designed to encourage parents to talk to their children about alcohol use and underage drinking. The tagline for the new campaign is “Talk. They Hear You.”
The Sacramento Zoo hosted a kickoff event today where parents and students talked about the awareness campaign, based on a model program developed by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
“Parents need to understand that it is never too early for them to talk with their children about alcohol,” said David W. Gordon, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools. “What they say to their children is up to them. But, if they do not discourage underage drinking, they may have an indirect influence on their child’s alcohol use.”
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) received funding from Sacramento County Alcohol & Drug Services to create the coalition and implement prevention strategies.
For program information, call (916) 228-2418.