Kids Can Get Drunk Too!

“Someone has to talk to these kids”, said Coach James Martinez from Gilbert Elementary, “Many kids are exposed to alcohol everyday – they need to learn how to say no - they need a reality check.” 

During the month of April, 4th and 5th graders talked about the dangers of underage alcohol use.  Rachel Trinidad, Youth Services Coordinator from San Antonio Fighting Back (SAFB), along with SAFFE Officers from San Antonio Police Department, visited several elementary schools in the Harlandale ISD to lead a Reach Out Now Teach-In.

These elementary schools are one of hundreds of schools nationwide to hold a Reach Out Now Teach-In during April, Alcohol Awareness Month.

“When you fill your life with good things there is no room for Alcohol or cigarettes,” said Rachel Trinidad to the fourth and fifth graders. “There are other activities to fill your lives like sports, your family, arts, movies, friends, and even video games.  Remember, you don’t need alcohol to have fun.”

During the session, students were presented with scientific reasons why they shouldn’t drink and were encouraged to participate in healthy activities.  In addition, children learned to reject peer pressure to drink alcohol.  A final comment from a student said it best, “If a kid asks me to drink then I won’t respect them as a friend.” 

Nearly 50 percent of adolescents have had at least one drink, and 20 percent report having been “drunk.”  Approximately 10.8 million youth between the ages of 12 and 20 drink alcohol.   Children need to realize the negative consequences of underage drinking and find positive alternatives.

The discussion about the harmful effects of underage drinking cannot stop at the school door. Talk with your child about alcohol. A clear and consistent message at school and at home that underage alcohol use is dangerous and unacceptable will reinforce a child’s ability to make healthy decisions.

SAFB, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are the sponsors of this event.  In the words of SAMHSA Administrator Charles G. Curie, “The benefits from talking to your child about underage drinking can last a lifetime, and make a lifetime last.”

For more information contact Cleo Garcia, Communications Director, at 271-7232 or log onto www.teachin.samhsa.gov or call SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686.

 
 

 

  
 

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