Underage Drinking Social Media Plan

Week 11 – Alcohol & Youth: The Signs

Post Copy – All Platforms: Recognizing early signs of underage drinking can make all the difference. These signs don’t always mean a teen is drinking — but they do mean it’s time to check in, stay present, and open a supportive conversation.  

Common signs can include: 
– Sudden changes in mood, friends, or school performance 
– Secretive behavior or withdrawing from family 
– Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed 
– Smelling of alcohol or finding alcohol missing at home 
– Increased risk-taking or breaking household rules 

#agematters #delayfirstuse #braindevelopment #underagedrinking #knowthesigns 

Post Copy – All Platforms:  Missouri youth begin experimenting with alcohol earlier than many people realize. 10% of 12-year-olds report having tried alcohol — and by age 15, that number rises to 50%.  

The earlier we notice the signs, the earlier we can support youth, protect the developing brain, and help them delay first use. 


– Sudden mood or behavior changes 
– New friend groups or secrecy 
– Falling grades or loss of interest in activities 
– Smelling of alcohol or finding alcohol missing 
– Increased risk-taking 

#agematters #delayfirstuse #braindevelopment #underagedrinking #knowthesigns 

Post Copy – All Platforms: Noticing changes early can make a real difference. Early signs of alcohol use often show up as behavior changes, not just physical ones. These signs don’t always mean a teen is drinking — but they do mean it’s time to check in, listen, and talk. Starting the conversation early helps protect the developing brain and reduces the risk of underage drinking. When you talk, they hear you. 

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

Week 12 – Impaired Driving  

Post Copy – All Platforms:  Don’t wait for the “right” moment — every moment is the right time to talk with your kids about impaired driving. Alcohol is a leading factor in fatal crashes involving young drivers, and teens are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing, affecting judgment and reaction time. 

Open conversations now protect their future behind the wheel — and far beyond it. 

#agematters #delayfirstuse #braindevelopment #underagedrinking #impaireddriving #dd 

Post Copy – All Platforms: Missouri prevention experts emphasize giving teens safe ways to reach out when something doesn’t feel right — especially when alcohol or impaired driving is involved. Creating a simple code word or phrase gives youth a safe exit strategy if they’re ever in an uncomfortable or risky situation.  

Empowering youth with a plan protects them from impaired driving risks and supports healthier choices. 

#agematters #delayfirstuse #braindevelopment #underagedrinking #impaireddriving #dd #codeword 

Post Copy – All Platforms: Impaired driving conversations can save lives. When parents talk early and often about alcohol, youth are less likely to ride with a driver who has been drinking or make unsafe choices themselves.  

These conversations protect developing brains and help youth make safer decisions behind the wheel. Say it early. Say it often.  

When you talk, they hear you. 

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