Do you talk to your kids about alcohol? Underage drinking is a serious problem in Wisconsin. It starts earlier and can be much more dangerous than you may think. But you can make a difference, all you have to do is talk to your kids. Having small, casual conversations with kids, starting around age 8, can help to prevent underage drinking. 59% of Wisconsin teens have tried alcohol, that exceeds the national average. Nearly 38,000 of Wisconsin high schoolers reported trying alcohol by age 13. Why age 8? Research has shown 8 as the age when children start to form their earliest opinions about alcohol. Small talks with kids can be effective with more than alcohol. Parents across Wisconsin are making a big difference in kids’ choices about prescription medications and other substances through frequent, casual conversations.

To learn more about Small Talks visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm.