Talk. They Hear You. is a campaign from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that aims to reduce underage drinking among youth ages 9 to 15 by providing parents and caregivers with information and resources they need to start addressing the issue of alcohol with their children early. campaign to help parents and caregivers talk to their children early about the dangers of alcohol.
Watch the Discussion Starter Video:
For Parents
Practice talking to your kids about the dangers of alcohol. The “Talk. They Hear You.” (TTHY) app is an interactive game that helps you learn the do’s and don’ts of talking to kids about underage drinking. Using avatars, you’ll practice bringing up the topic of alcohol; learn the questions to ask; and get ideas for keeping the conversation going.
The app is available on desktop computers and from Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Check out these parent resources to help you start and continue talking with them about the dangers of drinking alcohol at a young age. Available in English and Spanish:
Help for Talking About Alcohol and Other Drugs
5 Conversation Goals
Action Plan
Answering Your Child’s Tough Questions
Family Agreement Form: Avoiding Alcohol
Keeping Your Kids Safe Brochures
Impaired Driving: Talk With Your Kids
Background
How To Tell If Your Child Is Drinking Alcohol
The Consequences of Underage Drinking
What You Can Do To Prevent Your Child From Drinking
Why Small Conversations Make a Big Impression
Why You Should Talk With Your Child About Alcohol and Other Drugs
Why Your Child Might Start Drinking
For Schools
As a teacher or school staff member, you work hard every day to prepare students for future success. You may not realize how seriously underage drinking can undermine their academic achievement and other life goals. You can Help Students Get a Good Start (PDF | 622 KB).
These materials were created specifically to help schools reach parents about underage drinking and the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign.
Talking to Kids About Alcohol
Download materials outlining five converation goals for talking to kids about alcohol:
- Conversation Goals Postcard, 6 in. x 4 in. (PDF | 370 KB)
- Conversation Goals Tall, 3.75 in. x 8.5 in. (PDF | 330 KB)
- Conversation Goals Letter, 8.5 in. x 11 in. (PDF | 717 KB)
Support for Campus or Community Events
SAMHSA also provides a set downloadable and customizable parent resources in English and Spanish.
Source: SAMHSA | Talk. They Hear You., https://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking | Last revised: 06/30/2022
Do you have concerns about your child? Talk to one of our experts. We invite you to call our Care Coordinators at 650.688.3625 or email us at careteam@chconline.org to set up a free 30-minute Parent Consultation appointment.
