The time to start talking to your teen about underage drinking is now. Follow these tips to help prevent underage alcohol use. It’s easy to underestimate how early underage drinking starts — sometimes even in the preteen years — as well as the amount of alcohol teens drink and the risks involved. Still, underage drinking isn’t inevitable. You can encourage your teen to avoid alcohol by talking to him or her about the risks of underage drinking and the importance of making good decisions. Why teens drinkTeens are particularly vulnerable to alcohol use. The physical changes of puberty might make your teen feel self-conscious and more likely to take risks — such as experiment with alcohol — to fit in or please others. Also, your teen might have trouble understanding that his or her actions can have adverse consequences. Common risk factors for underage drinking include: •Transitions, such as the move from middle school to high school or getting a driver’s license•Increased stress at home or school•Family problems, such as conflict or parental alcohol abuse•A history of behavior problems or mental health conditions Consequences of underage drinkingWhatever causes a teen to drink, the consequences may be the same. For example, underage drinking can lead to: •Alcohol-related fatalities. Alcohol-related accidents are a leading cause of teen deaths. Teen drownings, suicides and murders also have been linked with alcohol use.•Sexual activity. Teens who drink tend to become sexually active earlier and have sex more often than do teens who don’t drink. Teens who drink are also more likely to have unprotected sex than are teens who don’t drink.•School problems. Teens who drink tend to have more academic and conduct problems than do teens who don’t drink. Also, drinking can lead to temporary or permanent suspension from sports and other extracurricular activities.•Alcoholism. People who begin drinking as young teens are more likely to develop alcohol dependence than are people who wait until they’re adults to drink.•Being a victim of violent crime. Alcohol-related crimes might include rape, assault and robbery.In addition, research shows that alcohol use may permanently distort a teen’s emotional and intellectual development. Other ways to prevent underage drinkingIn addition to talking to your teen, consider other strategies to prevent underage drinking:•Develop a strong relationship with your teen. Your support will help your teen build the self-esteem he or she needs to stand up to peer pressure — and live up to your expectations.•Know your teen’s activities. Pay attention to your teen’s plans and whereabouts. Encourage participation in supervised after-school and weekend activities.•Establish rules and consequences. Rules might include no underage drinking, leaving parties where alcohol is served and not riding in a car with a driver who’s been drinking. Agree on the consequences of breaking the rules ahead of time — and enforce them consistently.•et an example. If you drink, do so only in moderation and explain to your teen why it’s OK for adults to drink responsibly. Describe the rules you follow, such as not drinking and driving. Don’t serve alcohol to anyone who’s underage.www.mayoclinic.com