Opinion
Our View: Opening a dialogue on underage drinking
Last Monday at the City Council meeting, Celeste Robinson, the project coordinator for the Mission Possible Coalition underage drinking grant presented information about youth and the impact advertising has on their decisions to drink.
Some of the information she shared:
The Federal Trade Commission stated that in addition to parents and peers, alcohol advertising has a significant impact on youth’s decision to drink;
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth conducted research that shows exposure and attraction to alcohol advertisements affect whether young people will drink;
The Medical Counsel on Alcohol concluded that exposure to alcohol advertisements is associated with the likelihood that adolescents will start to drink alcohol and increases the consumption among those already drinking; and
A poll conducted by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms showed that 80 percent of the general public believes that alcohol advertising is a major contributor to underage drinking.
Alcohol companies have been criticized in the past for targeting youth through its advertisements and creating products with youth in mind.
Surveys conducted in Jefferson County show that there is a perception among youth that more students are drinking than actually are, while the actual numbers are that three out of four students do not drink.
The surveys also showed that students believe more parents approve of drinking than actually do — 98 percent of parents in Jefferson County do not approve of any type of underage drinking.
Parents need to be aware of the effect alcohol advertising has on their children. And, judging from the survey results from Jefferson County, parents need to begin talking. They need to begin speaking out about their views on underage alcohol use.
Studies have also shown that parents have the most influence on their children. It’s time to start exerting some of that influence.
- Opinion
-
-
Rippy: Clean elections questions and answers
I have been constructively asked by a few readers if I can shorten my columns.
-
Our View: Festival reminds us of the good things in life
There are plenty of things in life to be worried about, such as caring for family, having a job, paying the bills, upkeep on homes and autos.
-
Our View: Improving a well-traveled roadway
Tonight, the Mt. Vernon City Council is expected to vote on a bid for construction of a overlay project along Shiloh Drive on the city’s west side.
-
Our View: Hoping this can be the final chapter
In the 18 months since then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on corruption charges — and eventually ousted from office by state lawmakers — the former governor has continued to make the media rounds.
-
Rippy: Will we stop the lobby machine?
I have a lifelong friend who e-mails me articles from time to time. He is a retired professor residing in Arizona.
-
County board chairman responds to meeting report
Letter to the editor
-
Our View: Nominate for MVTHS awards
Time has come to again nominate individuals for the Mt. Vernon Township High School Distinguished Alumni program.
-
Our View: Make sure to get permit for fireworks
Even though some fireworks are legal in Illinois, it might not be widely known that a permit is required to purchase, possess or display them.
-
Our View: Added incentive to buckle up
While it is always a good idea to buckle up while driving or riding in a vehicle, authorities are offering added incentive this weekend.
-
A Reader's View: How will expressway work affect Rend Lake?
Your May 12 issue includes a lead article that tells us that Mayor Chesley desires to be included in Marion’s pork, alias STAR, bill.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Rippy: Clean elections questions and answers
