Manhasset CASA’s “Talk. They Hear You” campaign has arrived at King Kullen. The underage drinking prevention message will be displayed on the Manhasset store’s grocery carts throughout the summer and fall. The campaign provides parents with an online source to start underage drinking prevention early with their children about the dangers of alcohol.
“King Kullen Manhasset is proud to stand with Manhasset CASA and its efforts to reduce underage drinking in the community,” stated Jerry Reilly, store manager, King Kullen Manhasset. “Our store employees are currently trained through a certified New York State Liquor Authority training program to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors. We appreciate Manhasset CASA’s ongoing efforts to educate parents to talk early with their children about the dangers of alcohol.”
“We greatly appreciate the proactive and ongoing prevention efforts of King Kullen to prevent underage drinking in Manhasset and across Long Island,” added Lisa Belinsky, executive director of Manhasset CASA.
The “Talk. They Hear You,” campaign notes that parents should be aware of factors that may increase the risk of a child’s alcohol use. Risk factors include significant social transitions such as graduating to middle or high school or getting a driver’s license; a history of social and emotional problems; depression and other serious emotional problems, a family history of alcoholism and contact with peers involved in troubling activities.
Manhasset CASA notes that parents can also promote factors to protect their children from underage alcohol use by supporting their children and giving them space to grow:
• Be involved in their lives, encourage independence and set appropriate limits;
• Keep the lines of communication open so children can share information;
• Know where your children are, what they are doing, whom they are, and whom they are friends with; Make an effort to get to know the parents of your child’s friend and share your rules about not allowing alcohol use;
• Find ways for your children to be involved in family life such as doing chores or caring for a younger sibling; Help your children find ways to have fun without alcohol;
• Set clear rules, including rules about alcohol use and enforce the rules you set; Do not let your children attend parties at which alcohol is served and do not allow alcohol at parties in your own home;
• Help your children avoid dangerous situations such as riding in a car driven by someone who has been drinking;
• Help your children get professional help if you are worried about their involvement with alcohol; and
• Create a pledge between yourself and your children that promises they will not drink alcohol.
For more information on talking with children about alcohol, go to underagedrinking.samhsa.gov or manhassetcasa.org.
