Alcohol Prevention Info found from: kidshealth.org and google.com

Why do young people drink? Many young people struggle with drinking. Alcohol is a part of young people’s lives, whether or not a young person drinks. Many young people have drank, or currently drink, alcohol. Almost every young person has friends or peers who drink alcohol, and many also have parents or other family members who drink. “Partying,” drinking socially with other young people, is considered “cool”. The media creates a lot of images of young people drinking and promotes drinking as being fun and popular, when in reality it leads to short and long term health risks, addiction, and even death.

Why shouldn’t teens drink? The punishment is severe:  Teens put themselves at risk with the law.  More likely to get into fights and commit crimes.  More problems at school; trouble concentrating and getting good grades.  Affects sport performance.

Why shouldn’t teens drink? You can look really stupid:  the nervous system changes that come from drinking alcohol can make people do stupid or embarrassing things, like throwing up or peeing on themselves. Drinking also gives people bad breath, and a hangover.

Why shouldn’t teens drink? Alcohol puts your health at risk:  more likely to be sexually active and to have unsafe, unprotected sex.  alcohol greatly increases the chance that a teen will be involved in a car crash, homicide, or suicide  higher risk of injuring yourself.

The Media and Alcohol Three factors affect the influence of alcohol on teens:  1. The context in which the advertisements are viewed  2. the support of others  3. the extent to which alcohol is glamorized

The Media and Alcohol Stereotypes: “Fixed or set beliefs about a group of people.”  Male stereotypes in ads: The Joker The Jock The Strong Silent Type The Big Shot The Action hero

The Media and Alcohol Female stereotypes in ads:  The sexpot/bimbo  The Man Eater  The Rebel  The Prize  The Party Girl Alcohol ads can represent relationships and display exceptional looking men and women.

Let’s See What You Have Heard and Seen Can you identify the following beer company slogans?  1. “Taste the Rockies”  2. “Australian for beer.”  3. “The king of beer.” What beer company is famous for it’s super bowl commercials? Can you describe one? What alcohol producer asks you to “Bring out the captain in you?”

Let’s See What You Have Heard and Seen List any songs that you have heard that promote alcohol products or drinking? List any movies or known quotes that promote drinking?

The Media and Alcohol: What They Should Show

Your Assignment Create a magazine ad or billboard displaying the actual effects of alcohol. Should be anti-alcohol. Color! Due Friday by the end of period. Use notes on alcohol from Driver Ed as well!