It’s been more than a decade since I had a child under the age of 21, but I haven’t forgotten the countless discussions aka  lectures I had with my two sons in an effort to keep them safe.

The rate of underage drinking has declined steadily since its peak in the mid-1900s. However, alcohol continues to be the drug of choice among young people. According to the 2007 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, an annual survey of U.S. youth conducted by scientists at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, 44 percent of 12th grades, 33 percent of 10th graders, and 16 percent of 8th graders reported consuming alcohol within the past 30 days. Even more concerning is the fact that when youth drink they tend to drink excessively, consuming four to five drinks at one time. Data show that 44 percent of 12th graders, 33 percent of 10th graders, and 6 percent of 8th graders engaged in “binge” drinking during the two weeks prior to being surveyed.

In 1965, the average age of first use of alcohol was 17.5 years, compared to 14 years in 2003. Alcohol is widely available, and considered by many to be a part of growing up. But data show that underage drinking is dangerous, not only for the drinker but for society, as evidenced by the number of alcohol-related automobile accidents, murders, suicides, and other injuries.

In 2007, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a Call To Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking. The action was prompted by disturbing research showing that the developing adolescent brain may be particularly susceptible to long-term negative effects from alcohol use.

Despite laws in all 50 states, many parents tend to believe that underage drinking is inevitable. But research shows that schools, parents, and other adults can make a difference.

Positive Parenting Connection, has established a site on MySpace that offers parents advice on how to prevent underage drinking. The community service page is sponsored by Anheuser-Busch and has been endorsed by the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI).

The site includes materials, tips, and links to resources designed by experts to help parents use their positive influence to communicate with their children about making smart choices— including not drinking while underage.

With the approach of New Year’s Eve, parents and teens need to know that underage drinking is neither inevitable nor acceptable.