How Parents, Coaches & Teachers Can Shift the Norm

 “What difference can I make? Kids are going to do what they do.” It’s a sentiment some adults have when it comes to teen drinking. But the reality is, one dedicated voice can have a ripple effect in preventing underage alcohol use. Parents, coaches, teachers, and any mentors – your influence matters more than you may know. Studies consistently show that when authority figures set clear expectations and model healthy behavior, teens are far less likely to drink. In fact, more than 80% of young people ages 10–18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision to drink or not drinkniaaa.nih.gov. That is a powerful statistic – and a call to action for every adult in our Salmon community.

Parents: The #1 Influence

Parents, you are truly on the front lines. Your teen might roll their eyes, protest that “you don’t understand,” or seem to ignore your lectures – but they hear you. They care what you think. Three out of four teens say their parents’ opinions and rules are the biggest factor in whether they choose to drinkorangepartnership.org. This means the conversations you have, the example you set by whether (and how) you consume alcohol, and the boundaries you enforce all play a huge role in your child’s choices.

What can parents do? Start by communicating clear, unambiguous expectations. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) found that teens whose parents explicitly communicate that underage drinking is completely unacceptable are far less likely to drinklittlerockfamily.com. Don’t assume your child knows your stance – spell it out. For example: “In our family, we do not allow underage drinking. I expect you not to drink until you’re 21, and here’s why...” Explain the reasons (health, legal, safety), but also make it about mutual trust and care: “I say this because I love you and want you to be safe.”

Next, back up words with actions. If you drink, model responsible behavior: no casual jokes about needing a drink to relax (teens pick up on that), never drink and drive, and keep alcohol at home secured. Better yet, if you choose to abstain or drink very sparingly, let your teen see that. It shows them that alcohol is not necessary for having fun or coping. Being a positive role model and a trusted source of information can significantly affect their decisions – they’ll remember what you do even more than what you saylibrary.samhsa.govlibrary.samhsa.gov.

Coaches & Teachers: Beyond the Classroom and Field

A coach who says “our team doesn’t drink” can set a norm that extends off the field. Student-athletes often look up to their coaches like family. When a coach talks about alcohol’s impact on performance (as discussed in Article 3) and holds athletes accountable, it gives teens a concrete reason to stay sober. Some schools have athletes sign codes of conduct to remain substance-free – enforcing those fairly and consistently sends a clear message. But it’s also the informal moments: the pep talks, the one-on-one chats after practice. A coach saying, “I’m proud of you not just for your play, but for the choices you make off the field,” can light up a teen’s self-esteem and reinforce their resolve to stay alcohol-free.

Teachers and school staff play a role too. Health teachers obviously cover alcohol’s effects in the curriculum, but every teacher can contribute to a pro-health norm. For example, teachers can incorporate reminders during prom season (“Stay safe this weekend – make good choices, we want to see you Monday!”). If a student confides in a trusted teacher about peer pressure, that teacher’s guidance can steer them in the right direction. Schools in Salmon can also invite guest speakers – perhaps law enforcement or young people in recovery – to share real stories, making the dangers of underage drinking more tangible. These assemblies often leave a lasting impression on students.

One Voice, Big Changes

“Shifting the norm” means changing what’s seen as typical or acceptable. In communities where underage drinking is seen as a normal teen behavior, more teens will do it. But if we collectively shift that perception – to where not drinking is the expected standard – teen alcohol use drops. This has been observed in communities that invest in consistent messaging and strict enforcement of underage drinking laws. Every voice counts in this effort, but sometimes it starts with one brave person. Perhaps it’s a parent who speaks up at a PTA meeting to advocate for stricter after-prom party policies. Or a high school principal who initiates a campaign highlighting students who choose not to drink. Or simply a local role model (like a popular older student or a young coach) openly sharing why they personally don’t drink and how it’s benefited them.

In Salmon, that one voice could be you. Don’t underestimate the ripple effect: you talk to your kids, who talk to their friends, who maybe push back next time someone suggests drinking. You might inspire another parent to join you in setting firm rules, or encourage a teacher to include a prevention module in class. One voice can rally others – soon you have a chorus advocating for healthier teen choices.

Call to Action: If you’re a parent, coach, teacher, or any mentor figure, ask yourself what your “one voice” message is going to be. What do you want the youth in our community to hear loud and clear from you? It could be as simple as, “I care about you and I don’t want you to drink because I want you safe and thriving.” Find opportunities to convey that message. Maybe this week, make a point to bring it up – have a deliberate conversation at the dinner table, or a heart-to-heart in the locker room. SSAPCO’s campaign this month is the perfect prompt. Join the conversation and be that voice. When teens know the adults they respect are united in concern and support, it truly shifts the norm. The more we speak up, the more we change the culture – one voice at a time, leading to an entire community where underage drinking is not the norm, and healthy choices are celebrated every day.

Sources: SAMHSA, NIAAA, MADD, CDC (parent influence data)