Keep Teens Safe.
Keep Homes Alcohol-Free.
Join Palm Beach County families committed to preventing underage drinking.
KNOW THE LAW
Home Doesn't Mean Legal
Florida law holds adults accountable for underage drinking in their homes.
Parents or guardians may face criminal charges if they knowingly allow minors to drink alcohol in their residence and fail to stop it. Additional legal consequences may include:
- Liability if an intoxicated minor causes harm or damage
- Confiscation of property associated with violations
- Legal prosecution and fines
Providing alcohol to minors is illegal — even if parents of the teen give permission.
WHY IT MATTERS
Risks Associated with Teen Alcohol Use
Underage drinking can cause serious and lasting consequences for youth, families, and the community.
Brain Development
Alcohol interferes with the developing teen brain, affecting memory, decision-making, impulse control, and long-term cognitive function.
School Performance
Alcohol use is linked to lower grades, decreased motivation, increased absenteeism, and a higher risk of dropping out.
Risky Behaviors
Teens who drink are more likely to engage in unsafe behaviors, including impaired driving, unprotected sex, violence, and other substance use.
Community Impact
Underage drinking contributes to accidents, injuries, law enforcement involvement, healthcare costs, and broader community safety concerns.
Many parents believe allowing teens to drink at home keeps them safe. However, research shows that teens who are allowed to drink at home are actually more likely to drink elsewhere and engage in risky behaviors.
CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW
What is Not My House?
- Campaign aimed at informing and educating parents about the risks of underage drinking.
- A platform for parents to ensure that their homes remain safe environments for teens, allowing them to host gatherings without the concern of underage drinking.
- Encouragement for parents to take the pledge to not allow alcohol in their homes when teens are present.
PARENT PLEDGE
Take the Parent Pledge
Actively supervise underage gatherings in their home
Refuse to buy, serve, or allow alcohol at teen events
Prevent intoxicated teens from driving and contact parents if needed
Communicate with other parents about alcohol-free expectations
Model responsible behavior and decision-making
PARENT STRATEGIES
Tips for Parents to Reduce Teen Alcohol Use
Stay Connected
- Get to know your child’s friends and their parents
- Attend school events and community activities
- Build a network of parents with shared expectations
Communicate Early and Often
- Talk openly about alcohol risks
- Set clear no-use expectations
- Discuss peer pressure and decision-making
Be a Positive Role Model
- Demonstrate responsible behavior
- Be mindful of messages teens receive from media and social environment
Stay Engaged
- Participate in family activities
- Encourage safe, supervised teen gatherings
- Monitor social media and online influences
88% of Palm Beach County middle and high school students are alcohol-free.
*2024 FYSAS
Alcohol affects your memory, decision making, and impulse control.
*National Library of Medicine
The earlier someone starts drinking, the higher their chances are of becoming addicted to alcohol.
*CDC
MYTH VS. FACT
The Truth About Underage Drinking
MYTH
Peers are much more influential when it comes to whether or not my child is going to drink. My child won't listen to me.
FACT
Studies consistently show that parents have a significant impact on their college students' alcohol use. Thus, it is critical for students to hear their parents reiterate expectations about substance use.
(Abar & Turrisi, 2008; Turner et al., 2000; Turrisi & Ray, 2010; Wood et al. 2004).
MYTH
Teens are safer if they drink at home.
FACT
Research shows teens allowed to drink at home are more likely to drink outside of the home.