Underage Drinking Is Down, But the Conversation Isn’t Over

There’s good news when it comes to underage drinking prevention: fewer teens are drinking alcohol today compared to previous years. And while that’s a step in the right direction, it doesn’t mean the conversation around underage drinking is over.

The reality is that, even if fewer teens are drinking overall, underage drinking still carries serious risks. Whether it’s binge drinking, drinking and driving, or alcohol-related injuries, the consequences can be life-changing. That’s why ongoing conversations about alcohol, peer pressure, and making healthy choices continue to matter.

The Good News: Fewer Teens Are Drinking

Prevention efforts are making a difference, and that’s worth celebrating. According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and the NC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), the number of teens who are abstaining from alcohol is at an all-time high.

This is wonderful news for parents, guardians, schools, and communities as a whole—and they deserve credit for these encouraging statistics. However, these numbers don’t tell the whole story. Looking only at how many teens drink doesn’t tell us how risky situations can become when teens do drink.

Why the Risks Are Still Serious

Even though fewer teens are drinking, alcohol-related harm remains a serious concern.

In North Carolina alone, approximately 108,000 high school students, or roughly 1 in 4 teens, report drinking alcohol. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), half of the students who do participate in underage drinking also report binge drinking. Binge drinking means consuming large amounts of alcohol over a short period of time. This pattern can quickly increase the risk of impaired judgment, alcohol poisoning, injuries, and dangerous outcomes like teen drinking and driving.

While fewer teens are drinking overall, binge drinking remains common among those who do drink. That means the consequences of widespread alcohol use are still serious, even as overall use declines. That’s why prevention isn’t just about reducing the number of teens who drink. It’s also about preparing teens to make safe choices when they find themselves in situations where alcohol is present.

Prevention Is About More Than Saying “Don’t Drink”

The goal isn’t to scare teens. At Talk it Out NC, we believe prevention is most effective when it focuses on preparation, not fear. We want to empower teens to make healthy choices, and so we’re focused on:

• Building teen confidence
• Planning ahead
• Strengthening decision-making skills
• Practicing how to respond to peer pressure

These types of conversations play an important role in underage drinking prevention. Talking about healthy choices before risky situations arise helps teens feel more prepared and confident in navigating those moments when they happen.

And here’s the thing: These conversations don’t have to be complicated, either.

Keep the Conversation Going

It’s not about having one big, sit-down conversation. In fact, smaller, more frequent chats help build trust with your teen. You might feel the urge to remind your teen of the rules—and setting expectations is important—but start by asking questions and listening carefully to what your teen tells you. When teens feel heard, they’re more likely to keep sharing.

Discuss topics like peer pressure, rides home, and your family’s X-Plan so your teen feels prepared for whatever situation may come up while they’re out with friends.

Talking to teens about alcohol isn’t always easy. Not sure how to start the conversation? Fortunately, at Talk it Out NC, we have plenty of resources to help you break the ice.

Remember: the goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection.

The Conversation Isn’t Over

Underage drinking prevention doesn’t end because the numbers are improving. Every season brings new opportunities and situations for teens to navigate.

Our summer safety tips offer practical ways to help teens prepare for parties, peer pressure, and unexpected situations before they happen. And as summer comes to an end, the same conversations still apply.

Whether your teen is heading back to school, spending time with friends, or celebrating another milestone, the goal remains the same: keep the conversation going. For additional tools and information, be sure to visit the Talk it Out Resource Hub.