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[MUSIC]
Many kids "start" drinking in middle school.
Nationally, one out of every two 8th graders
has tried alcohol.
Here in Colorado, 1 out of 5 of us had our first
real drink of alcohol before the age of 13.
It doesn't matter what type of alcohol we may have
been allowed to drink or first tried, drinking alcohol
can harm our growing bodies and brains in ways
many people don't realize, that's why
it is important for us to grow up alcohol free.
As an adult allowing those of us under the age of 21,
especially kids my age, to drink alcohol from time to time,
even just a couple of sips, may seem to be a harmless, trivial,
or a non threatening act, but it's not!
The stakes are high for those of us introduced
to alcohol at an early age.
It's a proven fact that children who begin
drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are 5 times
more likely than those who start after age 21
to develop alcohol dependence problems.
Did you know that the risks of alcohol use among
children and youth is strongly associated with
violence, risky *** behavior, poor academic performance,
illicit drug use and other harmful behaviors?
Help prevent underage drinking problems before they start.
When you host social gatherings for our family and friends,
remember that we are a part of the gathering, too.
Plan for our participation in social gatherings and events:
If you're a parent, be clear that you do not want us
to drink alcohol before we turn 21 at any
social function we may attend.
If you're the host of the party or social gathering,
make sure your guests know that you don't allow
underage drinking at your get-togethers.
If there's alcohol at your gathering,
find a responsible adult who can help serve and monitor
the alcohol supply while you are busy entertaining.
PREVENT UNDERAGE DRINKING;
IT'S AN ADULT RESPONSIBILITY.
DO YOUR PART!