Underage Drinking Social Media Plan

Week 1 – Youth: The Developing Brain 

Post Copy – All Platforms: The prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for planning, impulse control, and decision-making – doesn’t fully mature until around age 25. Drinking during this critical period can have long-term consequences for cognitive development.

#agematters #delayfirstuse #braindevelopment #underagedrinking 

Post Copy – All Platforms:  The teen brain is still actively under construction. During adolescence, the brain goes through major changes — especially in areas responsible for decision-making, memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Because of this rapid growth, youth are especially vulnerable to the effects of alcohol.

#PCMO #TalkAboutItMO #DevelopingBrain #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #YouthPrevention #HealthyBrainsHealthyChoices #MissouriYouth #ProtectOurFuture 

Post Copy – All Platforms: Talking early and often about alcohol helps protect the developing brain and reduces the likelihood of underage drinking. You don’t have to say everything at once. Just start the conversation — they hear you. When adults talk with youth: 
➡️ Brains develop with stronger decision-making skills. 
➡️ Teens are more likely to delay alcohol use. 
➡️ Clear expectations become a powerful protective factor. 

#agematters #delayfirstuse #braindevelopment #underagedrinking #youthprevention #healthybrains #protectourfuture #talktheyhearyou 

Week 2 – The Truth About Underage Drinking 

Post Copy – All Platforms:  Underage drinking isn’t harmless curiosity — it’s the most commonly used substance among youth in the U.S. Here are the facts:

➡️ Youth who start drinking before age 15 are 5 times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder later in life. 

➡️ Even “just trying it” can increase risks for injuries, risky choices, and long-term health impacts.

#agematters #delayfirstuse #braindevelopment #underagedrinking #SAMSHA 

Post Copy – All Platforms: In Missouri, underage drinking is more common than many people realize. Missouri youth deserve safe environments where they can grow, learn, and make healthy decisions. According to Talk About It MO: Alcohol often comes from friends’ homes or social settings, making access easier than many parents think. 

Because alcohol is the most commonly used drug among youth, prevention starts with early conversations and clear boundaries. #TalkAboutItMO #TheTruthAboutUnderageDrinking #MissouriYouth #UnderageDrinkingPrevention #DelayFirstUse #HealthyChoices 

Post Copy – All Platforms: Underage drinking isn’t a harmless rite of passage — and early conversations can change the outcome. The Talk. They Hear You. campaign highlights that youth who talk with parents and caregivers about alcohol are significantly less likely to drink underage. You don’t need a perfect speech. You just need to start — because when you talk, they hear you.

#agematters #delayfirstuse #braindevelopment #underagedrinking #youthprevention #healthybrains #protectourfuture #talktheyhearyou #truth