Teens, Crime, and the Community
Session 19
Learning Objectives: In this session, teens will explore the problem of underage drinking. They will learn about the risks, . . .
Learning Objectives:
In this session, teens will explore the problem of underage drinking. They will learn about the risks, the extent of the problem, and the impact on individuals and society. They will also discover strategies for reducing underage drinking and learn about steps that communities are taking to deal with the problem. Teens will then work to identify ways in which they can help prevent underage drinking.
Tips to Enhance Session 19:-
Give students time during Steps B and C to view The Cool Spot, a government sponsored website that addresses underage drinking and peer pressure through fun, interactive, and informative methods.
-
Show students brain comparisons of underage drinkers and nondrinkers during Step C to help them understand the unseen consequences of underage drinking.
-
Give students a copy of the free and downloadable NCPC brochure, Dangers of Drinking (PDF) after you finish the lesson, so they have a tangible reminder about the harm caused by underage drinking.
Web Resources:-
SAMHSA’s Too Smart to Start Interactive Body: This web tool teaches youth the detrimental effects of alcohol on individual organs.
-
GirlsHealth.gov: Straight talk about alcohol: Provides information for teenage girls regarding underage drinking laws, as well as information about the dangers of underage drinking and binge drinking.
-
Making the Link: Underage Drinking and Violence (PDF): Includes statistics regarding the prevalence of violence among youth who drink. You can present the statistics during Step F to help students reflect on the current session, and to serve as a reminder of the harm and victimization caused by violence (which students learned about during Section 2 lessons).
-
Tips for Teens: The Truth About Alcohol: Provides information and frequently asked questions about the dangers of alcohol consumption.
Community Resource People:-
Substance abuse counselor: Can teach students about the consequences of underage drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol abuse on their bodies, minds, and within their family and community.
Remember to give the community resource person the session materials at least one week before he or she will participate in your class.
Service-Learning Project Ideas:-
Short Project: Students can create buttons, bookmarks, flyers, and t-shirts focused on the costs and consequences of underage drinking to give to their peers.
-
Medium-Length Project: Students can develop an alcohol abuse awareness campaign. Teens can highlight the negative effects and dangers of underage drinking. Then, they can create public service announcements for local television or radio stations.
-
Long Project: Students can conduct a fundraiser in order to fund a drunk-driving simulator workshop on campus. (Students should seek approval from school administration before inviting visitors to campus). The drunk driving simulator will show students how drinking impairs their ability to drive. This activity will help cement the dangers of drunk driving in students’ minds.
