When to talk alcohol with kids? Summit County Health’s answer may surprise you

Photo: Jan Ranft

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — The Summit County Health Department’s Behavioral Prevention Team is committed to combating underage drinking by encouraging parents to start conversations about alcohol with their children at an earlier age than many might expect.

“What is the right age to start talking with your child about underage drinking?” asks Betty Morin, Substance Abuse Prevention Program Specialist at Summit County Health Department. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends talking to kids about underage drinking as early as age 9.”

The program focuses on equipping parents with effective communication strategies to prevent substance abuse before it starts.

“It can be daunting to talk with your child about something like underage drinking or drug use, but it’s important,” Morin said. “Research shows kids are making up their minds about alcohol between the ages of 9 to 13 and if they view it as ‘pleasurable,’ ‘cool,’ ‘a way to fit in,’ or even think it’s okay with you [their parents], they’re much more likely to drink underage.”

Morin emphasizes that these conversations need not be overwhelming. “Short chats are more effective than one BIG talk,” she notes. “Conversations go two ways. Listen to their thoughts too.” If you don’t know an answer, research it with your child; make them part of the process.

For parents establishing boundaries, Morin recommends being “clear about your expectations: ‘Not a drop until 21.’” She adds that building trust with children is fundamental to effective prevention.

To support local prevention efforts, the Summit County Health Department recommends parents visit ParentsEmpowered.org, a statewide education campaign focused on preventing underage drinking.

 

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According to a Utah study cited by Parents Empowered, when children believe their parents consider underage drinking to be “very wrong,” only 3% actually drink. However, if children perceive their parents finding it just “wrong” or “a little bit wrong,” almost half choose to drink.

Parents Empowered offers various resources for parents, including guidance on having meaningful conversations with children, spending quality time together, and setting clear rules about alcohol. The website provides conversation starters, activity ideas for strengthening family bonds, and research-based strategies for prevention.

“It’s never too late to start the discussion,” Morin said, encouraging parents of older children to begin conversations about alcohol and other substances regardless of age.

The Summit County Health Department’s Prevention program offers local resources for families throughout the county. Additional information and prevention resources are available on their website, or by viewing informational videos featuring Morin on the department’s YouTube channel.