“Small Talks” is Wisconsin’s brand new campaign to Prevent Underage Drinking. Allison Weber of the WI Department of Health Services and Josh Skowron of KW2 join our latest podcast episode to talk about the “Small Talks” that parents can have with their children to make conversations about alcohol a little easier.
Be sure to listen to the entire podcast to learn more about the campaign and how we can all work to prevent underage drinking.
Some topics discussed on the podcast include:
- What exactly is the “Small Talks” campaign and why is it important? Allison and Josh give some of the latest data on underage drinking rates in Wisconsin, which is decreasing (but at a slower rate than the rest of the U.S.).
- Why is it important to have short conversations (“Small Talks”) with children important? Research shows that parents and caring adults are the most powerful influence on children’s choices about underage drinking.
- What age should parents start having these conversations? Research shows that children start forming opinions about alcohol use as early as age 8.
- How can parents get tips on how to talk to their children about underage drinking? They can go to the “Small Talks” website (SmallTalksWI.org) and get the Tip Sheet (PDF) for parents to have a successful Small Talk.
- What if parents get asked those hard questions about alcohol use? The answer is you can’t really mess up. Every attempt shows you care and helps build those connections with your child. Go to the page “Start Talking” to help you answer questions like “Did you drink when you were a kid?”
If you want to get involved in underage drinking prevention efforts in Jefferson County, get involved in our coalition!
