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“Underage alcohol drinking is a problem right here in our communities. Don’t let it be a problem for your child. You are the key factor in preventing underage drinking and making sure your child grows up healthy, happy and successful. Tell your children exactly where you stand … have the talk as early as eight or nine … and continue talking throughout their childhood. With our Coalitions and Prevention Partners serving communities throughout our network and the resources and tools on our website …. we are “In It To Win IT” with you!”

Doris Nardelli
Director of Communications

Keeping our Kids Safe
Keeping our Kids Safe
Keeping our Kids Safe – Spanish
CFBHN – IN WITH IT SPANISH GIRL
Keeping our Kids Safe
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Impaired Driving: Talk With Your Kids

5 Conversation Goals

Research suggests that one of the most important factors in healthy child development is a strong, open relationship with a parent. It is important to start talking to your children about alcohol and other drugs before they are exposed to them.

Five Conversation Goals (Native American)

Download 5 Conversation Goals in English (PDF | 1.3 MB)

Impaired Driving: Talk with your Kids
Use These 5 Goals When Talking to Kids about Alcohol and Other Drugs
1. Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.

Over 80 percent of young people ages 10–18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. Send a clear and strong message that you disapprove of underage drinking and misuse of other drugs.

2. Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.

Young people are more likely to listen when they know you’re on their side. Reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink or use other drugs—because you want your child to be happy and safe. The conversation will go a lot better if you’re open and you show concern.

3. Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs.

You want your child to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drugs with reliable information about their dangers. You don’t want your child to learn about alcohol and other drugs from unreliable sources. Establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information.

4. Show you’re paying attention and you’ll discourage risky behaviors.

Show you’re aware of what your child is up to, as young people are more likely to drink or use other drugs if they think no one will notice. Do this in a subtle way, without prying.

5. Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking and drug use.

Even if you don’t think your child wants to drink or try other drugs, peer pressure is a powerful thing. Having a plan to avoid alcohol and drug use can help children make better choices. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they’ll say “no thanks.”
Keep it low-key. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get everything across in one talk. Plan to have many short talks.

Last Updated: 07/08/2020

Take Action to Prevent Underage Alcohol Use

Why Small Conversations Make a Big Impression

Short, frequent discussions can have a real impact on your child’s decisions about alcohol.

Mother in a car looking at her daughter
Short, frequent discussions can have a real impact on your child’s decisions about alcohol.

Talking to your child at an early age about drinking is the first step toward keeping them alcohol-free. But as they enter junior high and high school, the pressure to try alcohol increases.1 It’s important to continue the conversation throughout adolescence.

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Answering Your Child’s Questions About Underage Drinking

Some questions about alcohol and other drugs can be hard to answer, so it’s important to be prepared. The following are common questions and answers about underage drinking and drug use.

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We look to technology as a powerful tool for driving organizational performance and above all, delivering personalized care the consumer views as conveniently located, timely andThis summer be sure to check out the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign’s new podcast:“What Parents Are Saying — Prevention Wisdom, Authenticity, and Empowerment.”  Hosted by Debbie Berndt, Director of Parent Movement 2.0, the podcast features discussions with parents, caregivers, and nationally recognized experts lending their unique perspectives and experiences on how to navigate conversations with kids about substance use and mental health. Tune in to the first four episodes on your favorite listening platform and don’t forget to share with the members of your community.  As always, thank you for keeping the prevention conversation going in your community and across the country! 

EPISODE #1: Parenting Through the Holidays

EPISODE #3: Spotlight on Opioids – Youth Prevention and Safety

EPISODE #2: Expert Chat – Teen Substance Use

EPISODE #4: Parent Chat – Raising & Socializing Drug-Free Kid

“Talk. They Hear You.” App

Substance Use Prevention
Get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other drug use.

SAMHSA’s new “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign mobile app helps parents and caregivers prepare for some of the most important conversations they may ever have with their kids. It shows them how to turn everyday situations into opportunities to talk with their children about alcohol and other drugs, and equips them with the necessary skills, confidence, and knowledge to start and continue these conversations as their kids get older. The app also helps prepare communities to implement and promote the campaign locally and educators to engage student assistance professionals, school leaders, and families in supporting the needs of students who may be struggling with substance use, mental health, or school-related issues. The “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign mobile app is available on the App StoreSM, Google Play™, the Windows® Store, and Windows® Phone Store.

“About the “Talk. They Hear You.” App

The app is designed to help parents and caregivers, educators, and communities:

  • Get Informed. Increase awareness about underage drinking and other drug use.
  • Be Prepared. Introduce skill-building techniques and share available resources and tools.
  • Take Action. Increase actions to help prevent underage drinking and other drug use.

The app features sample conversation starters, ways to keep the conversation going, an interactive practice simulation section, and the opportunity to earn badges for practicing and having real-life conversations. It also includes a resources section with informative and useful videos, fact sheets, brochures, infographics, guides/toolkits, and more.

Learn more about the goals for these important conversations and find other tips and information to help prevent underage drinking and other drug use on the Parent Resources page.

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows Store logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Last Updated: 05/12/2021

Get Smart About Drugs

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