Early alcohol use undermines academic success

AUSTIN – With the new school year about to begin, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is warning Texas parents about the potential harm alcohol can have on their children’s academic success. More specifically, research has shown that teen brain development is adversely affected by alcohol, which could lead to poorer academic performance.

“The hectic preparations for a new school year may mean that parents are putting off difficult conversations. But parents should know that talking with their children about not drinking alcohol could make a difference in their children’s academic success,” Jaime Gutierrez, MADD Texas State Director, said.

For teens, the negative consequences of alcohol consumption include the immediate concerns of engaging in risky behaviors–such as drinking and driving and other dangerous actions–that can lead to deadly consequences. Additionally, research led by Susan Tapert of the University of California, San Diego, also has shown how teen brain development and cognitive functions can be adversely affected by alcohol over the long term.

Tapert’s research found that adolescents ages 12-18 who binge drink are more likely to do poorly in mathematics, engineering and subjects that require their focus for a sustained period of time. For some teens, the difference can be equated to a 10 percent drop in academic performance–or the difference between getting an A or a B. Binge drinking is defined as drinking alcoholic beverages with the primary intention of becoming intoxicated, which typically occurs after four drinks for women and five drinks for men in the period of about two hours.

“Parents want what’s best for their children. That’s why we hope parents will make it a priority to talk with their kids about alcohol and stress that it is never acceptable or smart to drink before they’re 21-years-old,” Gutierrez said

MADD surveys show that parents are the single biggest influence on their children’s decision not to drink. Sixty-two percent of Texas teens say their parents are the motivating factor for them not to drink. Additionally, a national survey conducted by MADD and Nationwide Insurance, showed that the clearer the message from parents is about not drinking, the less likely it is that a teen will drink.

Parents also could help save lives by talking with their teens about the dangers of underage drinking and driving or riding with someone who has been drinking before their children celebrate the end of summer and head back to school. Last year in Texas, from August- September, there were 330 drunk driving crashes involving drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 years old, resulting in 35 injuries and 12 deaths. Additionally, 15 people between the 12- and 20-years-old were killed in drunk driving crashes in Texas August through September 2014.

MADD recommends parents use the "Power of Parents" handbooks, now available for parents and caretakers of middle school and high school students, to have these conversations with their kids. Together with Nationwide and the Texas Department of Transportation, MADD launched this research-based program to equip parents with the resources they need to talk with their children about the dangers and consequences of alcohol.

In Texas, MADD is helping parents engage in a conversation with their kids about the dangers of underage drinking by hosting workshops in local areas across the state. Contact your local MADD office to learn more about workshop opportunities. For more information about Power of Parents or to download materials, parents can visit www.madd.org/texas.