Shock ads may reduce underage drinking

Underage drinking is a significant concern in many cities, but some communities are taking the initiative to combat the problem with education. By informing parents and administrators of underage drinking trends, many advocates said they believe they can reduce the rate of alcohol abuse in their region.

Recently, residents of Little Rock, Arkansas have banded together to launch a campaign geared toward deterring children from alcohol use, according to KTHV-TV. In an effort to raise awareness of the local underage drinking problem, authorities have installed billboards and ads across the city to highlight the dangers of alcohol.

Advertisements contain statistics, citing drunk driving accidents involving minors and the penalties for selling alcohol to underage children. The authorities hope that the shock value will reduce the number of kids who consume alcohol illegally over time.

A 2009 survey found that 42 percent of underage children admitted to consuming alcohol within a 30-day period, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 24 percent of kids who responded said they had binge drank. Educating the public may be able to reduce the rate of alcohol abuse in small communities.