The Monroe County Health Department is partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to promote Small Talks, a campaign focused on preventing underage drinking.
Small Talks encourages adults to have short, casual, and frequent conversations with kids—starting as early as age 8—about the risks of drinking alcohol before age 21.
Research shows that parents and other trusted adults are the strongest influence on a child’s decisions. These conversations don’t have to be formal—just talk anytime, anywhere. By starting early, you can help kids make sense of what they hear from friends or social media before they’re ever offered a drink.
Despite progress, underage drinking remains a concern in Monroe County:
51% of high school students and 15% of middle school students report having tried alcohol
55% of survey respondents rank alcohol use and/or impaired driving among their top five safety concerns
Drinking at a young age can interfere with healthy brain development, affecting how youth think, feel, and behave. These impacts can lead to long-term physical, social, and emotional challenges.
As a parent or trusted adult, answering questions about alcohol isn’t always easy—but you don’t have to do it alone. The Small Talks campaign offers practical tips and guidance to help youth confidently say “no” in peer-pressure situations.
Learn more, including conversation starters and helpful resources, at SmallTalksWI.org.
You can also follow the Monroe County Health Department on Facebook and Instagram for updates and tips.
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