This might already be obvious to many people on this site, but I've been reading up on a lot of information about alcoholism.  It's so important for parents to be aware of and informed about the harsh effects of alcohol, especially on teenagers.  Research has shown time and time again that the brain develops dramatically during early adolescence.  Giving children alcohol during early adolescence, when the brain is more malleable as it is developing fast, could act as a trigger for those with a predisposition to addiction. 
     Particularly those who have their first drink before the age of fifteen, are at higher risk for developing alcohol problems, compared to those who have their first drink after the age of seventeen.  Just like you wouldn't allow yourself to have alcohol while pregnant, the same goes for adolescents.  It's almost impossible to control your teenager's every action, but explaining to them the importance of staying away from controlling substances can make a huge difference in their lives. 

I think a lot of teens these days have fed into the concept of using alcohol as a reward.  Even middle-aged women have developed this concept, which was usually practiced by working men and husbands.  In reality, alcohol in excess only creates problems.  An adult male can easily have a beer on occasional evenings, and still be responsible.  However even one drink for a female has a greater effect, compared to men.  Most adults can't handle alcohol responsibly, why would teenagers be anymore capable?  It's definitely up to the parents though to make it clear that their teens are not allowed to drink.

I think all kids are different, so to effectively communicate with the way you talk to your kids about alcohol, may be different than other techniques used.  I've found that what really makes me understand something is hearing it from someone else that I admire, how alcohol is not worth it and will only mess things up.  I remember watching Janice Dickinson on television talking to models about the dangers of alcohol.  She told them about how at many of the events she attends for modeling jobs, there is champagne served regularly.  In the beginning of her career, she was at a huge fashion show and had two glasses of wine and when she was walking down the runway, she didn't stop, she walked straight off the runway and fell into the laps of Versace and Gucci designers.  She said it blew a lot of chances in the beginning of her career.  This story made me think about how in the end, drinking simply isn't worth all of the risks and people will take me more seriously if I can handle my alcohol, and better yet, stay away from it altogether.

honestly I dont think it has to do much with the parents talking to their kids. My parents talked to me ALOT about drugs and I still ended up drinking and experimenting. Im not saying parents shouldn't talk to their children no they should. But I think what helps out more is when there are a lot family activities going on in the kids life. Like traveling. Spending all weekend together. Board games, things like that. When the whole family are friends it helps a great deal and it could prevent your kid from turning to drugs. I know a lot of people whos families were like this and they really had the most ideal kids. Good grades, drug free and amazing personalities.

poodler said: honestly I dont think it has to do much with the parents talking to their kids. My parents talked to me ALOT about drugs and I still ended up drinking and experimenting. Im not saying parents shouldn't talk to their children no they should. But I think what helps out more is when there are a lot family activities going on in the kids life. Like traveling. Spending all weekend together. Board games, things like that. When the whole family are friends it helps a great deal and it could prevent your kid from turning to drugs. I know a lot of people whos families were like this and they really had the most ideal kids. Good grades, drug free and amazing personalities.

   I agree with your advice, true quality family time is the best way to encourage healthy development of kids.  Although it can be hard in our society today, especially regarding families with two working parents.  Quality time is often cut short and parents get tired, some parents are out of town quite a bit for jobs too.  But I think more and more parents have to realize how important family time is, especially for little kids.  They need to see that you can have healthy relationships with other people and there is no need to use alcohol and drugs.