Campaign to Keep Students Sober Underway

Editor's Note: The following information is from Forsyth County Schools:

“I Have a Choice” initiative hopes to curb underage drinking and help families and youth make responsible choices.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Forsyth County Schools, through a grant with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) has a new campaign to help parents and youth make positive life choices.

Research shows that 23 percent of Georgia youth have consumed alcohol before the age of 13, while nearly the same percentage of high school students admitted to binge drinking (Georgia Student Health Survey 2011 - 2012). In every school and in every community in Georgia underage drinking has become a widespread health and safety problem. Unfortunately, most adolescent and their parents don’t realize the negative impact alcohol abuse can have until their health or future is at stake. 

The “I Have a Choice” campaign focuses on making positive decisions.  Four slogans are currently being displayed on local billboards. The slogans are:

• I Have A Choice… to not drink alcohol after prom
• I Have A Choice… to make responsible decisions for my future
• I Have A Choice… to not social host
• I Have A Choice… to not provide alcohol to minors

The campaign is designed to educate youth, parents and guardians about the realities of underage drinking.  Statistics show that 82 percent of Georgia high school students who consumed alcohol did so at their own house or at another home. Adults can be held liable for youth-related alcohol use and suffer legal consequences.  Parents have a tremendous influence on the decisions children make. Take time to talk to your children about not using alcohol. You can help them make positive choices and live healthier lives.

For more information and resources for talking to your students visit the following websites:

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Student Support Services

Forsyth County Schools Facebook Page

You might also be interested in reading:

Four Forsyth Businesses Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

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