Behavior Change Campaigns
Talking with Your Students About Alcohol
How to Talk with Your Students About Alcohol
As an educator, you have significant influence. Students pay attention to the adults who show up consistently in their lives. When you create space for honest, fact-based conversations about alcohol, you help shape how students think about it and how they support one another.
One important message to reinforce: most teens don’t drink. Many students overestimate how common alcohol use is among their peers. Correcting that misperception reduces pressure and makes it easier for students to choose not to drink.
You don’t need to lecture. Your role is to provide accurate information, model steady leadership, and encourage thoughtful discussion.
Start Conversations That Build Skills
When alcohol comes up in health classes, current events or student discussions, here are some things you can do:
• Emphasize that most teens are choosing to stay alcohol-free.
• Discuss how alcohol affects decision-making and reaction time.
• Connect alcohol use to real outcomes students care about such as sports performance, academics, self-image, and driving safety.
Open-ended questions work better than warning. Conversations can build confidence and decision-making skills. Examples include:
• “Why do you think teens sometimes feel pressure to drink?”
• “What makes it easier to say no in certain situations?”
• “How can friends support each other in making safer choices?”
If You’re Concerned a Student May Be Drinking
If a student appears intoxicated, smells of alcohol, or shows concerning changes in behavior:
• Follow your school’s established policies immediately.
• Notify administration or your designated school authority.
• Document observations factually. Avoid assumptions or confrontation.
School counselors, social workers, and administrators are trained to involve families and connect students with the appropriate services. Your role is to observe, support, and refer instead of investigate. However, outside of urgent situations, you can have a positive influence on your student. If you notice patterns such as mood changes, withdrawal, declining academic performance, or shifts in peer groups, consider checking in.
• Ask how they’re doing.
• Listen without accusation.
• If need be, refer concerns to the school counselor or other support offered by the school.
If a Student Shares Concern About Drinking at Home
When a student discloses alcohol misuse in their home, here is what you can do to help.
• Listen calmly and thank them for trusting you.
• Reassure them that what they’re feeling is valid.
• Avoid criticizing parents or caretakers.
• Follow mandated reporting laws if required.
You can also connect them to appropriate supports such as the school counselor, school-based social workers, local youth support services, and Alateen, which provides peer support for teens affected by someone else’s drinking.
