Underage Alcohol Use
Many normal life activities have ages when young people can safely start them. A person must wait until age 16 to start driving, age 18 to marry without parental consent, age 35 to become president, and so on. The drinking age is 21 for a reason – it is based on research, which shows that young people react differently to alcohol.
Laws that prevent underage drinking help protect the maturing brains of young people. Although these laws exist, our cultural and social norms give different messages. Alcohol is one of the most commonly misused substances in the United States.
All these reasons are why prevention of alcohol use among young people is a priority for STEPS .
Data on Southington
In Southington alone, there are currently 89 liquor permits in our 36 square mile town, which includes grocery stores, package stores, cafes, restaurants, hotels and clubs.
% of youth that report their parents would disapprove of underage drinking
in 2009
Today
Yet 54.8% of youth who have used alcohol report getting it from home WITH their parents’ permission.
% of youth that report a high perception of risk associated with alcohol use
in 2009
Today
14% of students report using alcohol once or more in the last 30 days.
A 44% decrease since 2010!
41% of 11th graders report attending parties where other kids their age were drinking
STEPS Prevention Efforts
1. Search Institute survey of Southington students in grades 7, 9, 11, 2022
