DUI Newsroom

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard Introduces Legislation: National Media Campaign to Prevent Underage Drinking

"Although drinking under the age of 21 is illegal in all 50 states, there are still 10.4 million kids in this country who drink alcohol illegally, starting, on average at just 13 years old," said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard.

"Kids who drink before the age of 15 are more likely to become alcoholics than those who wait until they are of legal age. Additionally, underage drinking contributes to increased car accidents, crime, violence, teenage pregnancy, illegal drug use and suicide."

Roybal-Allard continued, "Underage drinking is a crisis we can no longer ignore. The need for a comprehensive public education campaign to warn young people and their parents about the risks of underage drinking is absolutely crucial."

The National Media Campaign to Prevent Underage Drinking is modeled on the Office of National Drug Control Policy's successful anti-drug campaign, and would be administered through the Department of Health and Human Service. It will use television, print, radio and Internet advertisements to highlight the facts and consequences of underage drinking.

"It is important that we not let the alcohol industry be the sole source of messages to teens on underage drinking," said Millie I. Webb, MADD's National President. "Policy makers on Capitol Hill decided that it wasn't a good idea to let tobacco companies be the sole voice in educating our children on smoking prevention. We believe the same should hold true for the alcohol companies on underage drinking."

America's youth back the media campaign as well. Last fall, over 435 high school youth delegates representing every U.S. congressional district met in Washington, D.C. for the MADD National Youth Summit to Prevent Underage Drinking, where they voted the National Media Campaign to Prevent Underage Drinking as one of their top four policy recommendations.

Christopher Spangler, youth spokesman for the MADD National Youth Summit, said, "The past year's ads of the anti-drug and smoking campaigns have, in my opinion, influenced young people in their decisions regarding the use of these substances. A similar national campaign focusing on the dangers and consequences of underage alcohol use will have the same effect and will decrease alcohol use among my peers."

Peggy Conlon, president of the Ad Council, was also at the press conference to endorse the legislation. The Ad Council strives to improve American society through mass communications.

"At the Ad Council, we know first-hand that the message of underage drinking has been noticeably absent from the Public Service Announcement landscape for years. We are looking to the Congress for their leadership."

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard concluded the press conference by stating, "I encourage my colleagues in Congress and the public to support our effort to educate kids and parents across the nation about the dangers of underage drinking and to make sure that they know it is not cool to drink, but in fact, it is costly, harmful, and potentially fatal."

This legislation is supported by a broad coalition of over 40 national, state, and local organizations: including, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the American Medical Association, Ad Council, National Crime Prevention Council, Center for Science in the Public Interest, National Partnership for a Drug-Free America, National Center for Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Consumer Federation of America.