• Skip to main content
  • Run 2 Save Our Youth 2025
  • Need Help Now?
  • Donate
  • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
Livonia Save Our Youth Coalition logo text
  • About
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Start Here
Talk. They Hear You.
Father and son talking

Parents are the #1 reason young people decide not to drink.

The "Talk. They Hear You." Underage Drinking Prevention National Media Campaign empowers parents and caregivers to talk with children early about alcohol and other drug use. Start talking to your children about alcohol as early as 9 years old.


Even if it doesn’t seem like it, they do hear you.

Why You Should Talk to Your Child
About Alcohol & Other Drugs

PDF Guide

Download the Guide

Parents have significant influence in their children’s decisions to experiment with alcohol and other drugs.

Some children may try alcohol and other drugs at a very young age. It’s better to talk before they are exposed to them.

The older kids get, the more likely they will try alcohol and other drugs.

Not talking about alcohol and other drugs still sends kids a message.

bubble-teens

Why Small Conversations Make a Big Difference

Short, frequent discussions can have a real impact on your child's decisions about alcohol.

  • Talking often builds an open, trusting relationship.
  • Lots of little talks are more effective than one "big talk."
  • When you do talk, make your views and rules clear.
  • As children get older, the conversation changes.
  • Remember that the conversation goes both ways.
  • What you do is just as important as what you say.

Learn More

Talking to Kids About Alcohol & Other
Drugs: 5 Conversation Goals

1. Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse

Over 80 percent of young people ages 10–18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. Send a clear and strong message that you disapprove of underage drinking and misuse of other drugs.

2. Show you care about your child’s health, wellness and success

Young people are more likely to listen when they know you’re on their side. Reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink or use other drugs—because you want your child to be happy and safe. The conversation will go a lot better if you’re open and you show concern.

3. Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs

You want your child to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drugs with reliable information about their dangers. You don’t want your child to learn about alcohol and other drugs from unreliable sources. Establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information.

4. Show you’re paying attention and you’ll discourage risky behavior

Show you’re aware of what your child is up to, as young people are more likely to drink or use other drugs if they think no one will notice. Do this in a subtle way, without prying.

5. Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use

Even if you don’t think your child wants to drink or try other drugs, peer pressure is a powerful thing. Having a plan to avoid alcohol and drug use can help children make better choices. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision about alcohol and drugs, such as texting a code word to a family member or practicing how they’ll say “no thanks.”

Keep it low-key. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get everything across in one talk. Plan to have many short talks.

PDF Guide

Download the Guide

Campaign Partnerships

Thank you to the following supporters of this campaign.

Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
logo-lsoyc
logo-healthy-livonia
St. Mary Mercy Livonia
Community Health Needs Assessment

Resources and campaign materials are provided by SAMHSA, and additional content can be viewed on their website, www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you.

Thin circle outline with colors of blue, orange and green

Livonia Save Our Youth Coalition
Livonia City Hall Annex, 33000 Civic Center Drive
Livonia, MI 48154

Facebook

LSOY Coalition

  • About Us
  • Board of Directors
  • Partners
  • Donate
  • Contact Us

Engage

  • Attend a Coalition Meeting
  • Come to an Event
  • Volunteer
  • Run 2 Save Our Youth
  • Talk. They Hear You.

Resources

  • Get Help Now
  • Education
  • Programs and Treatment

Privacy Policy • Limited English Proficiency (LEP)