Since 2005, FLORIDA’S KIDS & ALCOHOL has addressed the issue of underage drinking in the state of Florida. The town hall series provides an in-depth discussion with parents, teachers, officials, and youth on the harmful effects. Designed to increase community awareness, the yearly discussion includes ideas for preventing youth from using alcohol.

In 2019, Florida’s Kids and Alcohol continued as an UP CLOSE with Cathy Unruh special episode. Host Cathy Unruh sat down with local experts and a teen to discuss the trends and facts of alcohol and drug use.

 

Videos from past years

The Statistics

Community discussions and prevention tactics are making a difference in our community. According to the 2012 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, substance abuse among middle and high school students has decreased since 2010*:

  • Alcohol use decreased 24% for high school students & 36% for middle school students.
  • Binge drinking decreased 42% for high school students & 63% for middle school students.
  • Prescription pain reliever use decreased 68% for high school students & 70% for middle school students.
  • Marijuana use decreased 13% for high school students & 31% for middle school students.
*Statistics are for Pinellas County middle and high school students. Past 30 day usage was reported.

Resources:

The Florida’s Kids and Alcohol Town Hall Meeting is part of WEDU’s American Graduate Initiative, helping our students stay drug free and graduate from school.

 

Sponsored by:
Tampa General Hospital Children's Medical Center The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Operation PAR, Inc. Pinch A Penny
St. Petersburg College AT&T Florida 4KIDS Sam's Club
Live Free! Florida Department of Children and Families Publix Super Markets Charities  

The Bernard F. and Mary Ann Powell Foundation
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)