SAMHSA – Talk They Hear You – Parent Resources
US Department of Health & Human Services
About the “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign
The “Talk. They Hear You.” Underage Drinking Prevention National Media Campaign empowers parents and caregivers to talk with children early about alcohol and other drug use.
Problem of Underage Drinking and Substance Use
High rates of youth alcohol use, shifting state laws regarding marijuana, and the nation’s opioid crisis are prevalent health concerns that affect America’s parents and caregivers. Preventing underage alcohol and substance use is critical for the following reasons:
- Approximately 88,000 Americans die from alcohol-attributed causes each year, making alcohol the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
- An estimated 2.1 million people ages 12 or older had an opioid use disorder, and nearly 30 percent of those who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder.
Through the Sober Truth on Underage Drinking Act, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created the “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign to address the problem of underage drinking and substance misuse.
The “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign’s goal is to provide parents and caregivers with the resources they need to address the issue of alcohol and other drugs with children under the age of 21. The campaign has historically equipped parents with the knowledge and skills to increase actions that reduce and prevent underage drinking. Recently, it has expanded its messaging to include other substances such as marijuana and prescription drugs. The campaign now offers resources to help parents talk to children of all ages about alcohol and other drugs.
Consequences of Underage Drinking and Substance Use
Rates of underage drinking and substance use in the United States are high. (See the latest statistics.) Underage drinking and other drug use can have severe consequences for children under 21, including the following:
- Injury or death from accidents;
- Poor school performance; and/or
- Poor judgment and decision-making.
Alcohol and other drugs can also harm child brain development.
Importance of Parents
Parents have a significant influence in their children’s decision to experiment with alcohol and other drugs. Although it may not seem like it, when parents talk about underage drinking and substance use, their children do hear them.
Help Talking with Children Under 21
“Talk. They Hear You.”® originally focused on helping parents with children ages 9–15 to prevent young people from starting to drink. However, research suggests the chances that children will try alcohol or other drugs increases as they get older. Around age 9, children begin thinking alcohol may not be just for adults. By the time they are seniors, almost 70 percent of high school students will have tried alcohol, half will have taken an illegal drug, and more than 20 percent will have used a prescription drug for a nonmedical purpose.
In 2018, “Talk. They Hear You.”® expanded its resources to include tools for parents and caregivers of children of all ages under 21 to help them continue having underage drinking and substance use prevention conversations beyond age 15.
Practice/Mission/Vision Statement
SAMHSA provides support for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol. Visit our website to:
- Find health care or support.
- Learn signs you may need help, how to ask for help, and how to take care of yourself.
- Find out about treatment types, how to make an appointment, and how to prepare yourself for treatment.
- Find options for covering treatment costs without insurance.
- Learn how to talk to a loved one about getting help.
- Get help now – call, text, or chat for immediate assistance.
Specialties and Services
- Mental Health
- Substance Use Disorder
About
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.
Mission
SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes.
Vision
SAMHSA envisions that people with, affected by, or at risk for mental health and substance use conditions receive care, thrive, and achieve wellbeing.
