Photo: courtesy of Summit County Health

Underage substance use remains a concern across Utah, and prevention experts are encouraging parents to take an active role in talking with their children about alcohol and drug use. According to Utah Student Health and Risk Prevention survey data, Utah kids report the No. 1 reason they choose not to drink is their parents’ strong disapproval. This reinforces how important a parent’s voice can be.

Summit County Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention Program Specialist Betty Morin outlines five key goals for parents discussing underage substance use with their children:

1. Express Your Disapproval
Parental disapproval is the most cited reason Utah’s youth give for avoiding alcohol. Communicating a clear stance against underage drinking can have a powerful impact on a child’s choices.

2. Show You Care About Them
Take time to ask your child about their goals and dreams. Help them understand how substance use at a young age can derail those plans. Using alcohol or drugs can negatively affect academic performance, long-term health and overall success.

3. Be a Trusted Source of Information
Kids are more likely to listen when they trust their parents know what they’re talking about. Share these facts:
• Alcohol can rewire the developing brain, increasing the risk of addiction.
• Underage drinking can shrink the part of the brain responsible for learning, making it harder to retain information and succeed in school.

4. Show You’re Paying Attention
Stay connected by talking regularly about your child’s day, showing interest in their hobbies and spending time together as a family. These small acts build trust and open lines of communication.

5. Build Skills and Strategies
Teach your child how to say no to substances and how to navigate or avoid risky situations. Practice these strategies together so they feel confident in real-life scenarios.

Prevention begins at home. These conversations don’t have to be formal or forced; they just have to happen. By showing care, support and setting clear boundaries, parents can guide their children to make healthier choices and have brighter futures. For additional resources on talking to your child about underage substance use, visit ParentsEmpowered.org or explore Summit County Health’s complete playlist of parental support videos.