According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Monitoring the Future survey found that 29.8% of 12th graders reported past-month alcohol use in 2020. Additionally, 14.1% of 8th graders and 24.1% of 10th graders reported past-month alcohol use.

Binge drinking among teenagers is a concern. The same survey found that 13.7% of 12th graders, 6.6% of 10th graders, and 2.3% of 8th graders reported binge drinking (five or more drinks in a row) in the past two weeks.

Despite the prevalence of alcohol use, perceptions of harm associated with alcohol have decreased among teenagers in recent years. According to the Monitoring the Future survey, the percentage of 8th graders who perceive great risk in drinking alcohol occasionally decreased from 2015 to 2020.

Teenage alcohol use can lead to various negative consequences, including impaired driving, accidents, injuries, risky sexual behavior, academic problems, and an increased likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life.

Parental attitudes and behaviors regarding alcohol can significantly influence teenage drinking patterns. Research suggests that parental monitoring, communication, and setting clear expectations about alcohol use can help reduce the likelihood of teenagers engaging in risky drinking behaviors.