Source: Native News Network
WASHINGTON – Given huge problems in and out of the American Indian community with alcohol abuse, it is unfortunate that its usage is glamorized by Hollywood in feature movies.
Movies rated for teen audiences are showing more alcohol.
A recently released study indicates movies rated for teen audiences are showing more alcohol. Elaina Bergamini of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire looked at data on hit movies from 1996 through 2009. She says appearances of branded alcohol in movies rated G, PG and PG-13 rose from 80 to 145 a year.
Bergamini says there are controls on tobacco appearances, and they were not rising, but alcohol lacks similar controls.
She says parents should talk with their children:
“Talk about drinking. Talk about binge drinking. And talk about the consequences of drinking especially in light of the fact that those consequences are not sufficiently represented in the movies.”
The study in the journal JAMA Pediatrics was supported by the National Institutes of Health.
The Basics
Talk to your child about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Knowing the facts will help your child make healthy choices.
Parents, what do you need to say when you talk about tobacco, alcohol, and drugs?
Here are some tips that may be useful:
- Teach your child the facts
- Give your child clear rules
- Find out what your child already knows
- Be prepared to answer your child’s questions
- Talk with your child about how to say “no”