Alcohol
Every other year, Mercer Island teens participate in the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, which includes questions about sleep habits, mental health and substance use. The good news it that most Mercer Island youth are not using alcohol or other substances. However, there is still concern about the high rates of binge drinking (consuming 5 or more drinks in a two hour period) among Mercer Island high school students. Mercer Island students who drink alcohol report binge drinking at rates 3X the rate for all WA state youth. Binge drinking is of concern because it can be attributed to risky behaviors such as alcohol poisoning, accidents, unprotected sex and violence.
The good news is that most teens choose not to drink alcohol.
And when it comes to youth alcohol and drug prevention, parents do make a difference.
Teens who believe that their parents will respond negatively to their drug use are less likely to use alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and other drugs. While other factors, like peers who use drugs, can influence a teen’s decisions, parent expectations of drug use and enforcement of drug-free rules significantly reduce teen drug use. Talk to your children about alcohol, cannabis, drugs, and tobacco, making sure that they know that no drug use is acceptable. Below are some great resources that provide data on the harms of alcohol and tips for talking with your kids.
PARENT RESOURCES
Parenting Mercer Island
If you or your child would like support, reach out to a MIYFS school-based counselor or contact the YFS Counseling Confidential Voicemail at (206) 275-7657.
