Local Underage Drinking Prevention Tips for Parents on Oct. 23

Levittown - Over 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision to drink alcohol or not, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Kids and teens really are listening to what their parents’ say, which is why it is vital for parents to provide a strong message and know how to talk their children about underage drinking.

SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You!” campaign is here to help with a community conversation on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. at the Bristol Township School District Administration Building. Dr. Debra Van Aken, a PA licensed psychologist with a private practice in New Hope, is the guest speaker. Her work focuses on parenting, school concerns, family relationships, anxiety and depression.

Van Aken will discuss the contributing factors that lead to children and teens to experiment with alcohol. She will explain strategies parents can use to talk to children about alcohol and how they can help their kids make healthy decisions.

The presentation is made possible by a stipend received from Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission Inc. courtesy of SAMHSA, and sponsored by Bristol Township School District, Bristol Cares Coalition and No Longer Bound.

According to Diane Rosati, executive director of Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission Inc., parents are encouraged to attend, and they will benefit from Van Aken’s practical resources regarding underage drinking prevention.

The BTSD Administration Building is located at 5 Blue Lake Road, Levittown.

Guests interested in attending should register at https://tinyurl.com/TalkEvent.