Students Use Web Site to Discuss Alcohol Pressures

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CIT Y -- Attorney General Drew Edmondson visited the Hefner Middle School to talk to students about alcohol abuse.

The national institute on drug abuse says the first use of alcohol typically begins at 12-years-old. In one central Oklahoma county, 13 percent of eighth graders have been binge drinking.

Celebrities have been supporting the message that parents need to start a conversation with their children and become aware of the presence of alcohol in their children's lives.

"This is the time to intervene, to counter peer pressure," Edmondson said. "The best way to do that is to enlist the parents in the effort."

At Hefner Middle School, students are logging onto a web-based program called Ask, Listen, Learn. They're taught to ask parents about alcohol, listen to their advice, and learn ways to say no.

The site provides both kids and parents strategies to help jump start the discussion.

"The kids are attracted to anything electronic like that," said Shannon Adams of Century Council. "It's definitely good for them to be able to go to this Website. The good thing is they will be able to go home and get on this Website with their parents, and open up the discussion that way."

The program's creators say, 12-year-olds know what's going on and they're curious. Before they're presented with a drink, it's critical to give them the information they need to make the right decision.

Only 4 percent of teens say it's hard to get alcohol and the opportunities are out there.