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 2017, 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
- FLORIDA’S KIDS & ALCOHOL 2016: Town Hall | Webcast
- FLORIDA’S KIDS & ALCOHOL 2015: Town Hall | Webcast
- FLORIDA’S KIDS & ALCOHOL 2014: Town Hall | Webcast
- FLORIDA’S KIDS & ALCOHOL 2013: Town Hall | Webcast
- FLORIDA’S KIDS & ALCOHOL 2012: Town Hall | Webcast
- FLORIDA’S KIDS & ALCOHOL 2011: Town Hall | Webcast
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:
- LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County
- Operation PAR
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Parenting to Prevent Childhood Alcohol Use
- The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking
- Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
- Sexual Violence Prevention Program
- Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol-Free
- Support and Resources for Parents Dealing with Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- Tampa Alcohol Coalition
- Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance
- Hernando County Community Anti-Drug Coalition
- College Drinking: Changing the Culture
- Florida Drug and Alcohol Abuse Association
- 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, Inc.
- JWB Children Services Council of Pinellas County
- Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida
- The Florida Poison Information Center – Tampa
- Withdrawal Resources: Common Symptoms and Treatment
- Start Your Recovery
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:
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The Bernard F. and Mary Ann Powell Foundation
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)