AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A new statewide survey found that Maine parents are increasingly aware of teen alcohol use.
The survey, completed by the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS), asked 1,200 parents statewide. It revealed parents who believed their teenager had a drink in the past 30 days rose from 5 percent in 2009 to 17 percent in 2013.
The survey also showed that parents who believe their teens could be underage drinkers are more likely to take actions to protect them from using alcohol. Additionally, teens who think they will get caught drinking alcohol are five times more likely to refrain from alcohol use.
Despite the increase of parents recognizing teen alcohol use, researchers said the survey also showed that some parents still believe different things than what teens report about their alcohol use.
Key findings show that:
- 17 percent of parents believe their teen had a drink in the past 30 days, yet 26 percent of teens say they have.
- 5 percent of parents thought their teens had binged on alcohol but 15 percent of teens reported they had.
- 25 percent of parents believed their child has ever had a drink: 54 percent of teens say they have.
- 78 percent of parents believe they would know if their teen used alcohol but only 47 percent of the teens agreed.
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