Study reveals that parents are unaware of their teens' participation in underage drinking

By Staff Writer

A recent study conducted by the Maine Office of Substance Abuse reveals that many parents of high school students underestimate their teen's alcohol use. The Bangor Daily News reports that the statewide survey shows that only 26 percent of parents believe their teenagers have ever had more than a few sips of alcohol.

In contrast, more than 65 percent of Maine high school teens said that they have had at least one alcoholic drink and 20 percent say that they have participated in binge drinking. Less than 2 percent of parents believed their child had engaged in this activity.

In order to curtail underage drinking, the Maine Office of Substance Abuse suggests that parents limit teens' access to alcohol, and keep track of how much of it is kept in the home. Knowing the parents of a child's friends can also be helpful, as moms and dads can reach an understanding about underage alcohol use.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, early drinkers and experimenters were more likely than non-drinkers to report academic problems, substance abuse and delinquent behavior in both middle school and high school.