“Talk. They Hear You.” AnUnderage Drinking Prevention National Campaign for Parents

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)during SAMHSA’s 2013 National Prevention Weeklaunched “Talk. They Hear You.”  “Talk. They Hear You.” is a national campaign that empowers parents to talk to their children early—as early as 9 yearsold—about the many risks associated with underage drinking. 

“These young people are our future leaders—our future teachers, mayors, doctors, parents, and entertainers,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde.  “As our youth and young adults face challenges, we as a community, need to effectively communicate with them in every way possible about the risks of underage drinking so that they have the necessary tools to make healthy and informed choices.“Talk. They Hear You.”encouragesparents of children ages 9 to 15 to increase their awareness of the seriousness and pervasiveness of underage drinkingand equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to help prevent their children from drinking.

“Talk. They Hear You.” provides The Van Buren County SAFE Coalitionwith parent resources and materials to distribute in the community, including the Campaign’s public service announcements (PSAs).  These PSAs and materials show parents “seizing the moment” to talk with their kids aboutalcohol such as while preparing dinner or doing chores. By modeling behaviors, parents can see the many “natural” opportunities for initiating the conversation about alcohol with their children.  Parents can also practice talking about underage drinking with their children through an interactive, web-based role-play simulation they can use anytime.

For more information, visitwww.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov. Or you may contact the SAFE Coalition at www.vbsafecoalition.com, info@vbsafecoalition.com or via phone at 319-293-6412.