Small Talks: Positive Role Models

Being a positive influence on young adults is the best way to help them make the right choices—especially when it comes to alcohol. Research shows that parents and caregivers are the number one reason that kids don’t drink. But preventing underage drinking takes a community. Together, parents, caregivers, and caring adults can help to change the perception of underage drinking and give kids the confidence to grow up alcohol-free.

Anyone can be a role model

Role models are everywhere in the community. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, law enforcement officer, or community leader—we all have a role in underage drinking prevention. And we can all make a difference! Work together to:

  • Support programs that increase youth resiliency.
  • Promote policies that make alcohol less available and accessible.
  • Enforce Wisconsin’s minimum legal drinking age.
  • Educate kids and other role models about the risks of alcohol and other substances.
  • Connect children and their families to alcohol screenings and treatment options.
  • Reduce alcohol use among high school students.
  • Reduce binge drinking among youth.

Lead by example

Your drinking habits become the drinking habits of the kids in your life. Kids start having opinions about drinking alcohol as early as age 8—partly based on what they see adults doing. So think about your drinking habits, and how you can model healthy choices for kids. Use the tips below and share our infographic with your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

Kids copy your choices, behaviors, and attitudes

Research shows kids are aware of when adults are drinking, and even understand why adults are drinking, too.
Tip: Cut down on how often kids see you drink by waiting to drink until after their bedtime.

A daily drink or two adds up

Experts say heavy drinking is 15 or more drinks per week for men and 8 or more drinks per week for women.
Tip: Alternate your alcoholic drink with a fizzy water or another non-alcoholic treat.

One less drink equals one more great example

If you choose to drink, do it in moderation. Kids will notice!
Tip: Do half-alcohol cocktails or serve them in smaller glasses to cut back.

Lead with conversation

Kids listen to what role models say. After all, you are the biggest positive influence in their lives. Short, casual conversations with kids, starting around age 8, make a big difference in underage drinking. And they can happen anywhere, anytime, and with anyone! Take the time to engage with the kids in your life about what matters to them. Then use what you know about alcohol to start the conversation. Here are some tips:

Provide reliable information

It’s important to know the facts. When explained by an adult, the data and statistics about underage drinking can make a real difference in kids’ choices and opinions about alcohol. Have open, honest conversations about the risks. Give kids the facts in a way they can relate to like, how it can affect their grades, favorite activities, health, and relationships.

Offer assistance and support

Being a kid isn’t easy. They are going through a lot of changes as they grow and face a lot of pressure, often from their peers. Let them know that you are always there for them when they need a hand or someone to talk with. Offer them support and understanding in a non-judgmental way

Tie in personal experiences

If you feel comfortable, share the experiences you had with alcohol when you were young. If a kid can relate to you and your experiences, they will have more confidence to make the right choice when faced with the pressure to drink. Give them healthy coping strategies and let them know that it’s ok to say no.

Help create an exit strategy

All kids face peer pressure in one form or another. This is especially true when it comes to underage drinking. Help them create an exit strategy for when they find themselves in a situation where they may be offered alcohol. Being prepared is the best tool to make the right choice.

What you can do as a role model

Every role model has a different relationship with the kids in their lives. Given that unique connection, everyone in the community has an opportunity to take actionable steps to combat underage drinking. Below are examples of what a few role models can do and some helpful resources.

Helpful materials

Because role models are such an important positive influence on kids’ lives, we want to help put you in the best position to make the most significant impact. That’s why we’ve developed some helpful materials to guide you through talking tips and ways you can connect to the kids in your life.

Learn more strategies to prevent underage drinking at the 2025 Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference September 10-11 in the Wisconsin Dells or online. See the agenda for this event and register today.

Bring Small Talks to your community

Working together, we can help reduce underage drinking in Wisconsin. We have developed a Small Talks event planning toolkit and educational materials to help you organize a presentation in your community. This tool will help educate parents, caregivers, and role models in kids’ lives about the important role that staying connected with frequent casual conversations plays in preventing underage drinking. Send an email to DHSDCTSSmallTalks@dhs.wisconsin.gov to get a copy of an event planning toolkit and educational materials.

Last revised May 30, 2025