What You Need to Know

Many North Dakotans see underage drinking as a rite of passage. Others see it as a sign of trouble in a state ranking among the highest in the nation for binge drinking.

Binge drinking is defined as having five or more drinks of alcohol in a row in a couple of hours. In the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey, nearly 35% of kids, grades 9 through 12, reported binge drinking during the 30 days prior to the survey.

Almost 20% of the students reporting responded they had their first drink of alcohol, other than a few sips, before age 13. Nearly 15 percent of the students stated they usually got their alcoholic beverages from a friend or family member.

If we think they are not taking risks, we are wrong. Nearly 40% of the kids responded they had ridden with a driver that had been drinking and almost 25% admitted to drinking and driving themselves. Parents, talk to your kids about alcohol.

You need to LEAD - Listen, Educate And Discuss the dangers and consequences of underage drinking.

If you aren't talking to your kids, then who is?