Alcohol Industry Influences on Underage Drinking (New England PTTC - HHS Region 1)

The alcohol industry knows its message: That alcohol is part of having fun, having friends, playing sports, or being sexy or manly. This webinar will focus on the influence of advertising and alcohol industry practices on underage drinking. Presenters will provide a thorough inspection of industry practices that get kids’ attention with a special emphasis on emerging high risk alcohol products, which are defined as products that are produced, marketed or advertised in a way that creates an unreasonable risk of being attractive to teens or kids. Presenters describe and provide examples in 7 categories of high risk products, such as products designed to be “healthy”, youthfully packaged, flavorings, and the creation of alcohol versions of beverages that are traditionally teen oriented (and non-alcoholic). The session will also examine the role of social media in promoting these products.

The webinar will be presented by members of Dover Youth to Youth, a nationally recognized youth empowerment program based in Dover, NH. The webinar will also include an overview of the Dover program, their model of youth empowerment, and examples of advocacy taken in response to alcohol industry practices and influences on underage drinking. Attendees will be provided with access to training materials sufficient to allow them to replicate a “High Risk Alcohol Products” awareness presentation in their own community. This training is ideal for community coalitions addressing underage drinking and other prevention professionals, particularly those working with youth advocates.