GOT A MINUTE?
An areawide media campaign called GOT A MINUTE is flooding ten north
central Iowa counties in the months ahead. United Way and the ten counties
are collaborating to increase awareness of the consequences of underage drinking.
The campaign which began in December is intended to provide adults with simple strategies that can help reduce the risk of underage youth using alcohol. The messages will be visible through newspapers, billboards, television, radio and table tents.
The campaign portrays three messages: EAT WITH ME, TALK TO ME,
and ASK ME. The EAT WITH ME message encourages making dinner a family
event four or more meals per week. The enjoyment of conversation along with
the stability of a regular routine have been known to reduce youth substance abuse by 50%! The TALK TO ME message centers on the brain development years
(up to age 25) noting that drinking alcohol during these developmental years can
lead to declining grades, depression, brain damage and thoughts of suicide. Adults
are encouraged to talk to youth about the dangers and consequences of underage
drinking. Setting boundaries and asking who, what and where is the theme of the
ASK ME message. Half of teens say their parents don’t ask who they’ll be with or
where they are going. Teens with boundaries are less likely to drink alcohol. This
message encourages parents to be in the know.