By Ginger S., from the Moms Network

While this was Spirit Week for many schools, my week seemed to have a more sobering theme: risky teen behavior. It began on Tuesday, when I heard Jeff Inman, coordinator of Cobb County’s Prevention Intervention program, speak to a group of parents, teachers and youth leaders. One of the topics we discussed was the latest research showing that the younger a person begins drinking, the greater likelihood that he/she will become dependent on alcohol. This is due in part to the way the teenage brain develops, as well as the social behavior of teens who drink. In addition, if you check out our news story’s tip sheet this week, Preteens Get Alcohol at Home, you’ll read that two-thirds of teens admit they have stolen liquor from their parents’ liquor cabinet or refrigerator. Experts clearly recommend that parents lock up their liquor, not just for your own kids’ sake, but because their friends might try to steal it, too. 

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