Washington, D.C., April 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) today recognizes the beginning of Alcohol Responsibility Month, encouraging teachers and parents to take this opportunity to talk to young people about the dangers of underage drinking. Using the free resources and materials available through Responsibility.org’s alcohol education program, Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix, adults can help kids understand the negative effects of alcohol on the developing brain.
In addition to supporting teachers and parents with research-based materials, Responsibility.org has partnered with the most decorated American gymnast, Simone Biles, to share with young people the importance of being healthy. Biles recently joined Attorneys General from over 20 states to create public service announcements to encourage conversations between parents and kids about underage drinking.
“As an athlete, I know how important it is to make healthy choices, and leading a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone,” said Biles. “When parents and teachers talk to kids about how alcohol affects the brain, it helps them make good decisions of their own, like saying YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking.”
From 2003 to 2015, underage drinking declined 51 percent (Monitoring the Future report 2015)—while conversations about underage drinking between parents and their kids increased 69 percent (Responsibility.org, August 2016). Although underage drinking is at record lows, it is still a problem that needs to be addressed.
From a seven-part animated video series to corresponding lesson plans, conversation starters, and classroom activities, these materials on Ask, Listen, Learn’s website aim to provide parents and teachers with the facts they need to have meaningful conversations about the negative consequences of underage drinking. The resources are consistent with currently available science, aligned with education standards, and are designed to be used by teachers in the classroom and by parents at home.
“Alcohol Responsibility Month is a perfect time for parents and teachers to talk to kids about the science behind the dangers of underage drinking,” said Ralph Blackman, president and CEO of Responsibility.org. “When kids understand how alcohol affects their developing brains, they feel empowered to say no to underage drinking and make healthy, responsible decisions. Using Ask, Listen, Learn’s resources can help parents and teachers work together to give kids the facts—and keep these important conversations going.”
“Underage drinking is down, but as parents and teachers, that doesn’t mean that our work is done,” said Leticia Barr, founder of Tech Savvy Mama. “It’s important for us all to keep having conversations about the dangers of underage drinking with kids and teaching them about how alcohol affects the brain—not only during Alcohol Responsibility Month, but all year long.”
To learn more about Alcohol Responsibility Month and Ask, Listen, Learn’s resources, visit http://asklistenlearn.org/.
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About Ask, Listen, Learn
Developed in 2003 by a team of educators and prevention experts specializing in middle school-aged students, Ask, Listen, Learn is the most widely distributed alcohol education program for middle school kids, teachers and parents. Visiting Asklistenlearn.org, kids can play games, read about positive role models and take a pledge to make healthy choices. Parents and educators are also encouraged to visit the site for tips on how to initiate conversations with kids about underage drinking. Ask, Listen, Learn is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.
About the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility
The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is a national not-for-profit that leads the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Edrington; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. Recognizing 25 years of impact, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families and communities together to guide a lifetime of conversations around alcohol responsibility and offering proven strategies to stop impaired driving. To learn more, please visit us at www.responsibility.org.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0bb2384e-0258-4f0e-bac8-c8f50297a049