Schools should establish alcohol policies that clearly state expectations and penalties regarding alcohol use by students. Such policies reinforce the norm that underage drinking will not be tolerated. Schools should be cautious about imposing suspension and expulsion on violators because students who are away from school and unsupervised may be at risk for academic failure, dropping out, or increased alcohol use. Schools must be accountable by setting up systems that ensure the academic progress of all students, including those who are suspended or expelled.

A good school alcohol policy:

  • States that alcohol and alcohol use are not allowed on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, and while students are representing the school.
  • Describes the consequences for violating the policy.
  • Explains how to assess and refer students who abuse alcohol and guarantees that self-referral will be treated confidentially and will not be punished.
  • Pays attention to due process issues in dealing with violators.

Excerpted from Keep Kids Alcohol Free: Strategies
for Action, Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol
Free. To order, call
(301) 654-6740 or visit
www.alcoholfreechildren.org.


(continued from previous page)

Why Do Young People Drink?

Alcohol use by peers is a strong predictor of adolescent use of alcohol. Social norms also are a key influence on underage drinking.

Unfortunately, in the case of alcohol use, students’ perceptions about social norms among their peers may differ from reality. In general, adolescents believe that the rate of drinking among their peers is significantly higher than the actual rate.

Beliefs translate into action: students who overestimate the proportion of peer drinkers are more likely to drink than students who have correct or low estimates of peer drinking levels.

What Can Be Done?

Several methods to reduce alcohol use among adolescents and teens have been proven to work. Research shows that prevention programs should incorporate one or more of the following three strategies:

  • Reduce the availability of alcohol. Prevent underage access to alcohol. Reduce the number of places where alcohol is sold or served.
  • Improve the effectiveness
    of law enforcement.
    Hold adults accountable when they provide
    alcohol to minors by raising the
    price of beer, wine, and liquor. Enforce policies designed to stop drinking among children and adolescents.
  • Change social norms. Publicize and enforce alcohol-related laws. Limit the promotion of alcohol.

Schools can play a vital role in preventing or reducing alcohol use among students of all ages by using prevention programs that incorporate these strategies. The best of these programs have a broad focus that addresses environmental influences and social norms, and, in particular, the effects of peers. (To learn more, see “Youth Alcohol Prevention” at left.)


 


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