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# Talk to your teens
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/talk-to-your-teens/
- Published: 2008-04-05T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T19:09:12.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*Editor:*

*By Peter H. Cressy President and CEO Distilled Spirits Council*

As a country, we continue to make important progress in reducing underage drinking, but much more needs to be done and parental involvement is key. While parents may believe they have no impact on their teens’ behavior, teenagers consistently cite their parents as the most powerful deterrent to drinking illegally.

Parents are often surprised to learn where teens are getting alcohol. According to scientific research, most youth who drink obtain alcohol primarily through noncommercial sources such as parents, family, friends and other adults over 21\. They are sneaking alcohol from their parents’ homes; having older friends buy it; or are obtaining it at parties.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Use this opportunity to have a serious discussion with your teen about alcohol. Tools for parents are available through The Century Council, www.centurycouncil.org, a not-for-profit organization funded by America’s leading distillers, and through the Federal Trade Commission’s campaign to prevent underage drinking, “We Don’t Serve Teens” (www.dontserveteens.com).

Underage drinking is not inevitable. Parents and the entire community working together can make a difference.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 5, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/040508.pdf?ref=smdp.com)