Public service announcement to air statewide urging parents to speak up and discourage underage drinking
Sept. 14, 2007 -- Attorney General Paul Morrison today joined representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, the Century Council, liquor retailers and local law enforcement in Olathe to unveil a new public service announcement and campaign discouraging underage drinking.
The initiative, called “We Don’t Serve Teens,” was developed by the Federal Trade Commission and is designed to inform adults that providing underage drinkers with alcohol is unsafe, illegal and irresponsible.
"During my time as district attorney, I cracked down on adults and parents who hosted alcohol parties for minors or provided alcohol to minors. We knew then what studies are showing today, that youth who illegally drink alcohol obtain it from individuals they know," said Attorney General Morrison.
Among 12-20 year-olds in Kansas, more than 31 percent reported they had consumed alcohol in the past month. Sixty-five percent of the youth who reported they drink said they obtain alcohol from family and friends. Only seven percent responded that they get the alcohol they drink from retail establishments that failed to check their identification
“Teen drinking is a serious problem that we-as a community-must fix,” Morrison said. “Parents and adults must be good role models and not provide alcohol to minors.”
The Century Council has distributed Morrison’s radio PSA to radio stations statewide as a reminder to parents and other adults that providing alcohol to teens is illegal and can mean serious consequences. The campaign also encourages parents to speak up about underage drinking.
"Parents may think their kids won't listen, but kids actually cite their parents as the leading influence over their decision to drink - or not to drink - alcohol,” Morrison said. “When you talk, they really do listen. It is my hope this campaign will encourage parents to start and continue a dialogue with their teen about the dangers of underage drinking."
Click here to listen to the PSA with Attorney General Paul Morrison.