Officials encourage parents to help children see the negative impact of underage drinking

Officials from Virginia’s Chesterfield County Coordinating Council are urging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of consuming alcohol, reports The Cheraw Chronicle.

They told the news source that more underage drinking can occur during the holidays because more events involve alcohol. Furthermore, left over cocktails and unattended beverages can entice teens or children to try them.

They added if adults are going to have a party where alcohol is served, they should hire a babysitter to keep young children away from alcohol. Moreover, keeping alcoholic beverages locked up or hidden are other ways to keep the substance out of the hands of children.

A recent Chesterfield County Student Survey revealed that 31 percent of students reported consuming alcohol in the six months leading up to the study. Parents with problem teens can enroll them into boarding schools to help improve behavior.

According to the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 28 percent of individuals between the ages 12 and 20 reported consuming alcohol.