Looking for more resources for supporting parents during COVID-19? Visit the Start Talking Now Facebook page.

Latest News

You are here

Home » Communities » Latest News » Latest News

SAMHSA recently launched Start the Talk, an interactive, online simulation tool that helps parents and caregivers of children ages 9 to 15 practice tough conversations about alcohol.

Start the Talk is the newest component of "Talk. They Hear You.", SAMHSA's national underage drinking prevention campaign, which launched last May. The Campaign equips parents and caregivers with the information, tools, and confidence they need to start talking to their kids early—as early as 9 years old—about the dangers of alcohol.

Start the Talk is an evidence-based behavioral tool that uses life-like avatars to engage in interactive conversations. The simulation is based on research in social cognition, learning... read more

This holiday season, when family celebrations may include alcohol, talk about the risks of underage drinking with your children and teens.  Talk early, talk often, and let them know that most of their friends are making healthy and safe choices.  The following article from a parent reminds us that the time to talk and act is now.    

picture of Jena
By Joe Pallitto

It was a long day and we all went to bed early.  At 10pm we noticed our daughter, Jena, had slipped out of the house.  Where could she have gone?  We called her cell phone, but no answer.  We tried calling some of her friends, but no luck.  By midnight... read more

There’s no trick and there’s no treat when it comes to underage drinking on Halloween.  The spookiest holiday of the year is also considered one of the biggest drinking holidays, so it’s no surprise that the alcohol industry wants to cash in on getting into the spirit.  Unfortunately, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth researchers have found that that there is a link between minors who recognize advertisements for beer and spirits and the likelihood of them drinking.
 

A study published in the Journal of Health Communication found that underage youth are drawn to music, animal and people characters, story and humor in alcohol advertising.  Youth in the study were more likely to say they wanted to purchase the... read more

Pages