Peer pressure, a sense of belonging, trying to be like some one else, trying to appear older, trying to loosen up… there are many reason for underage drinking but none of the reasons make sense. Especially when you weigh those reasons against the consequences:
Drunk Driving Deaths, Sexual Assault, Alcoholism, Teen Pregnancy, Jail, Rape
Thousands In Fines, Violence, Loss of License, Parental Jail, Time Loss of Consciousness, Doing Other Drugs, Wrong Decisions, Bad Health, Criminal Record and much more.
An Important message from the Benton County (Arkansas) Underage Drinking Task Force
The Social Host Liability Act 976 (HB 1586) provides criminal liability for a social host who knowingly serves alcohol to minors and who knowingly allows minors to consume alcohol on his or her property. The act does not apply to any consumption of alcohol during religious ceremonies or for religious purposes.
For more statistical information from Arkansas DHS click here.
The APNA 2009 Survey conducted in the Benton County Schools reveals the prevalence of underage drinking vs. the Arkansas state average.
Sources of Alcohol
1) At Home WITH Parents’ Permission
6th Grade= Benton County 24.4%; State Average 17.1%
8th Grade= Benton County 13.4%; State Average 15.2%
10th Grade= Benton County 15.5%; State Average 11.9%
12th Grade= Benton County 12.4%; State Average 8.8%
2) At Home WITHOUT Parents’ Permission
6th Grade= Benton County 7.0%; State Average 9.8%
8th Grade= Benton County 15.3%; State Average 12.8%
10th Grade= Benton County 9.4%; State Average 7.4%
12th Grade= Benton County 3.1%; 2.45
Location of Alcohol Use
1) My Home
6th Grade= Benton County 64.9%; State Average 49.3%
8th Grade= Benton County 40.8%; State Average 39.0%
10th Grade= Benton County 31.8%; State Average 27.8%
12th Grade= Benton County 24.3%; State Average 20.8%
2) Someone Else’s Home
6th Grade= Benton County 18.6%; State Average 26.5%
8th Grade= Benton County 41.2%; State Average 41.3%
10th Grade= Benton County 54.1%; State Average 53.2%
12th Grade= Benton County 62.3%; State Average 60.2%
