How North Carolina Is Fighting Underage Drinking

Imagine being 16 years old, sneaking into a party on a Friday night. The laughter is loud, the music is pulsing, and the red cups are filled with more than just soda. For many teenagers, this scene isn’t fiction. It’s reality.  

 In fact, nearly 50% of high school students in North Carolina report having consumed alcohol. 

The risks are enormous. Underage drinking is linked to higher rates of car accidents, violence, academic struggles, and long-term health issues. It doesn’t just endanger the young people involved — it ripples through families, schools, and entire communities. 

That’s why North Carolina has been stepping up its fight.  

Whether it’s providing responsible education at the point of sale, raising public awareness, or offering health information and prevention strategies, state leaders and community members are working together to change the culture around teen drinking. 

What is Talk it Out NC? 

Talk it Out NC is North Carolina’s cornerstone initiative to prevent underage drinking. We help teens grow into healthy, responsible adults by reducing the risks of alcohol misuse.   

More than 80% of parents believe that teens who drink alcohol are more likely to act irresponsibly and make poor decisions. Years of research on North Carolina families show the single most powerful way to prevent underage drinking is through open conversations at home.  

Believe it or not, parents are the #1 influence on their teens. According to Rev. Ray Beale, one of Talk It Out NC’s ambassadors, “parents have everything they need to start talking to their kids about the dangers of underage drinking today.”  

Statewide Impact 

If you’re struggling to have these conversations with your children, there are a number of resources to support you. Communities across North Carolina stand together to protect our teenagers.  

Tackling the problem starts with increasing awareness. According to The State of Underage Drinking in North Carolina, the percentage of parents who view underage drinking as a serious problem jumped from 37 percent in 2014 to 44 percent by 2023.   

The results speak for themselves. For 10 years, underage drinking rates among North Carolina teens have consistently declined.    

“I think the difference is really astounding because of the effectiveness of the messaging and the changes we are seeing in young people,” said Talk it Out Ambassador Dr. Wanda Boone. 

According to The State of Underage Drinking in North Carolina (2023): 

• Fewer students see drinking as socially “okay.” 
• More teens recognize how much their parents’ guidance matters. 
• Awareness of the risks of underage drinking is higher than ever. 

Building Circles of Protection: How North Carolina Creates Community-Wide Change   

North Carolina’s approach to preventing underage drinking works because it recognizes a fundamental truth: lasting change starts with individual families and radiates outward through entire communities. 

The Inner Circle: Conversations at Home  

Everything begins with parents and teens talking openly. North Carolina equips families to intentionally use car rides, mealtimes, and other everyday moments to connect. Shared experiences, like going to the arcade or enjoying a family movie night, help conversations flow naturally and subsequently build stronger bonds.  

To that end, Talk It Out NC’s conversation starters can help families break the ice about alcohol use and its impact on teens. 

The Middle Circle: Schools and Community Connections  

Talk it Out ambassadors and program coordinators strive to create a consistent message across all the environments that shape teenage decisions.  

Schools are active partners in prevention. Teachers, coaches, and counselors receive resources to reinforce these conversations long after ambassadors and coordinators leave. When a student hears the same research-backed information at school that their parents are learning about at home, the message becomes impossible to ignore. 

The Outer Circle: Statewide Momentum  

At the broadest level, North Carolina has built a formidable coalition. Talk it Out NC’s strategic partnerships with the NC Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement, and health leaders create a unified front. Talk it Out NC also partners with the Governors Highway Safety Association and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). These partnerships reflect a shared message: our communities care about their safety. 

How to Get Involved in Underage Drinking Prevention 

North Carolina families are navigating a post-pandemic world, rising mental health challenges, and nonstop social pressures.   

1. Model Healthy Coping Strategies 

Teens notice how adults handle stress. Show them healthy ways to cope, like hobbies or mindfulness practices. They need to see alternatives to using alcohol as a coping mechanism. 

2. Build Connection in Everyday Moments 

Teens open up when they feel safe. Share meals, ask open-ended questions, or go for a walk together. These small moments of connection build trust.  

3. Get the Facts About Underage Drinking 

Stay up to date on the latest NC research. Knowing the truth about risks, access, and teen behaviors helps you set clear expectations at home. 

4. Partner with Local Coalitions 

Join local prevention groups that are already active in your community. Volunteering or supporting their work shows your teens that you take this issue seriously. 

5. Attend Talk it Out Online and In-Person Events 

Whether you join a webinar or see us at a local community event, Talk it Out NC loves interacting with local families. Parents often leave feeling less alone and more confident about talking with their teens. For more information on upcoming Talk It Out NC events, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram, or reach out directly. 

A Conversation Worth Having 

North Carolina has made incredible progress because parents, teachers, coaches, and community leaders are stepping up together. When you start the conversation at home, you become part of that bigger movement.  

“Regardless of how many people you come into contact with, if you only impact one person, that in itself brings success,” said Talk it Out Ambassador Mark Pilon. 

Talk it Out NC stands on one powerful truth: a single conversation can change the path of a teenager’s life. Start the conversation today.