There’s a lot of misinformation out there about alcohol and teens, and it can have serious consequences. Learning the facts can open your eyes to how alcohol really affects the developing brain, decision-making, and your teen’s future.

Let’s set the record straight. There are a lot of myths out there when it comes to teens and alcohol. Some have been passed down over time, others are shaped by culture, and many are simply outdated.

When it comes to alcohol and teens, the facts are sobering. Alcohol can actually have long-term consequences, impacting everything from brain health to school performance and future well-being.

A child’s brain is continuously developing, right through their teens. In fact, the brain’s final, adult wiring may not even be complete until well into the twenties. Recent research shows heavy alcohol use may affect brain functioning in early adolescence, even in youths who are physically healthy.

Conversation starters to have with your kids and teens. Talking with your child or teen about alcohol and substances isn’t a one-time conversation. In fact, the more open, honest, and ongoing these talks are, the more supported your teen will feel.

What you say matters, but what you do often matters even more. Your actions, words, and attitudes around alcohol help shape how your child thinks about drinking.

Every teen has ups and downs, but if you’re noticing changes in behaviors or mood that seem out of the ordinary, it could be time to take a closer look. Trust your instincts; you know your child best. From changes in sleep and friend groups to slipping grades or secrecy, there are clues that may suggest your teen is using or struggling with substances.

Colorado has enacted underage drinking laws to help keep teens safe. As a parent/caregiver, it’s important to understand the laws surrounding underage drinking because they don’t just apply to teens. In many cases, adults can be held responsible even if they didn’t directly supply the alcohol.

The goal of these laws? To protect young people. Understanding the law and talking about it in that context can promote open communication in your family, and help you and your teen make informed decisions. That’s why it’s helpful to talk with your child or teen about how the law works and what it means for them.

What Kids and Teens Should Know

Parents/caregivers are encouraged to review this together with their kids or teens. Having these conversations in advance helps build trust, clarify expectations, and prepare young people to make safe choices.

1. It’s illegal to drink under age 21. Even if you don’t buy the alcohol yourself, just having it in your possession with the intent to drink it is against the law—unless you’re with a parent or legal guardian who gave it to you.
2. You won’t get in trouble for calling 911 to help someone. Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law protects people, regardless of age, who call for help during a medical emergency involving drugs or alcohol. If someone you’re with has passed out, is hard to wake up, or is having trouble breathing, DON’T HESITATE TO GET HELP. You won’t be arrested for having alcohol or other substances on you if you’re calling for help in good faith.
3. Fake IDs can lead to serious legal consequences. Making, buying, or using a fake ID is a criminal offense. Teens can be charged with forgery, possession of a forged instrument, or criminal impersonation, which may result in misdemeanor or even felony charges. This can affect your future, including college admissions, scholarships, and job opportunities.
4. If a party gets out of hand, you can still make a safe choice. Even if alcohol is present, you can always choose to call for help, leave the situation, or contact a trusted adult. If you’ve made a plan with your parents ahead of time, like using a code word to get picked up, that’s your lifeline.

Legal Lowdown: A Summary for Parents

1. You can get in trouble even if you don’t hand teens a drink.

• Social Host Laws in Colorado mean adults can be liable for injuries or property damages caused by a minor if they knowingly provided the minor with alcohol or a place to drink.

2. Helping in a medical emergency won’t get you arrested.

• Thanks to Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law, you (or your child) won’t be charged for calling 911 in the case of an overdose or alcohol emergency.

3. Driving under the influence with a child in the car is a felony.

• In Colorado, driving under the influence (DUI) with a child under 16 in the vehicle is considered child abuse and leads to separate, serious charges in addition to standard DUI penalties. The severity of the child abuse charge depends on whether the child was injured.

4. You can’t charge people to attend a party and serve alcohol.

• That’s considered selling alcohol without a license, which is illegal in Colorado.

5. It’s illegal to give alcohol to anyone under 21 (unless you’re their parent or guardian).

• This includes giving it to someone who already appears drunk.

6. Providing alcohol or drugs to minors can lead to serious charges.

• This includes charges like endangering the welfare of a child, which is a Class A misdemeanor.

7. Teens caught with alcohol can face legal consequences.

• Even if they didn’t buy it themselves, possession with intent to consume is against the law.

8. Fake IDs are a big deal legally.

• Making, using, or even possessing a fake ID can result in felony or misdemeanor charges, depending on the situation.