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Alcohol-free is better! New school year is a great time to talk about smart choices

Cenora Akhidenor
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A new school year brings a fresh start! It can also bring pressure to fit in, make new friends, or try things you may not be ready for.

Choices matter!

One important choice youth can make is to stay alcohol-free. And an important one for parents is to talk with kids about how to make smart decisions.

The decisions that shape your life, now and in the future

Alcohol can affect your judgment, coordination, decision-making, and ability to stay focused. It can interfere with school, relationships, activities, and goals for the future.

The good news is that fewer young people across the U.S. are drinking alcohol than in previous years. According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug use and Health (NSDUH), among young people ages 12-20:

  • 13.3% reported drinking alcohol in the past month. That’s about 5.1 million young people.
  • 7.6% reported binge drinking in the past month. That’s about 2.9 million young people.
  • The percentage who drank alcohol in the past month declined from 15.6% in 2021 to 13.3% in 2024.

What do local youth tell us? Here’s what Pierce County 10th graders said about alcohol use in the 2025 Healthy Youth Survey:

  • 7.3% said they drank alcohol in the previous month. That was down from 8% in 2023.
  • 9.7% either drove after drinking or rode with someone who had been drinking. In 2023, 2% drove after drinking and 13% rode with someone who had been drinking.
  • 3.8% reported experimental drinking, which means drinking on 1-2 days in the last month but no binge drinking. That was up a bit from 3.6% in 2023.

How parents can help

Whether youth are headed to a football game, school dance, or party, or just hanging out with friends, help them remember what’s important. They should know their goals and boundaries, choose friends who respect their decisions, have an exit plan, and make their own decisions.  

It might be helpful to know where kids get alcohol. In the Healthy Youth Survey, 10th graders said the top ways they get it are either buying or stealing it from a store, or from older siblings.

The best thing adults can do to protect kids is have a straightforward, caring conversation.

Need help moving the conversation along? Here are some great questions:

  • What do kids at school think about drinking?
  • Have you ever felt pressured to drink or try something?
  • What would you do if someone offered you alcohol?
  • How can I help if you feel uncomfortable at a party?
  • Would you call me if you needed a ride home, even if you were worried you would be in trouble?

You can also suggest a few simple ways to turn down alcohol:

  • “No thanks, I’m good.”
  • “I don’t drink.”
  • “I’m just here to have fun with my friends.”
  • “Nah, that’s not my thing.”

A new school year is a fresh chance for youth to make good choices and for parents and trusted adults to help. Healthy choices help you stay focused on what matters most—your health and your future.                   

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