Letters to the editor for Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015

Help prevent underage drinking

Helping teens make good choices is as simple as starting a conversation, and back to school is an ideal time for parents to talk about avoiding peer pressure to drink underage.

Research shows that parents are the greatest influence on teens. Exercising that influence by actively listening and holding their teens accountable for decisions about underage drinking is something that parents should be encouraged to do. Asking open-ended questions gets teens thinking about what they would do when and if they’re offered a drink — and the potential consequences.

Capital Beverages wants to remind parents about the Family Talk About Drinking program, a free parent guide and Facebook community designed to encourage open and honest communication between parents and their children to help prevent underage drinking. Programs like this one, paired with education and effective law enforcement, are essential to reducing underage drinking.

Here in Nevada, 86.4 percent of 12-to-17-year-olds do not drink, according to Alcoholstats.com.

Remember, it’s our collective responsibility to help prevent underage drinking. For more information, visit Facebook.com/ABFamilyTalk.

Jason Brown

General manager, Capital Beverages