Drinking In Elementary School

Posted by Barbara Pytel Nov 9, 2007

While we usually think of high school or middle school for underage drinking, the facts are that many kids begin drinking alcohol in 4th grade. John E. Donovan, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychiatry and epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says, "A review of national and statewide surveys conducted over the last 15 years shows that among typical 4th graders, 10% have already had more than a sip of alcohol and 7% have had a drink in the past year. While the numbers are small in the fourth grade, the surveys show that the percent of children who have used alcohol increases with age, and doubles between grades four and six. The largest jump in rates occurs between grades five and six."

If research shows that prevention programs should begin prior to students before behaviors begin, should DARE and other prevention programs be moved down to grade four? Alcohol at a young age may lead to

• Use of marijuana
• Illicit drug use
• Delinquent behaviors
• Drinking and driving
• Sexual intercourse
• Pregnancy

Of course, children in the 4th grade can’t walk into a liquor store and buy alcohol. They are getting the alcohol from older teens or adults.

Source: Press release issued by Society for Prevention Research, [sciencedaily.com, August 31, 2007.]

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Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.