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Older Siblings Can Influence Underage Drinking
By Mike Stafford
How does older sibling’s
underage drinking behavior influence younger siblings? The latest research finds that older brothers
were more likely to have an influence on the behavior of their younger siblings
as it relates to problem behaviors including alcohol and other drug use.
Certainly in my observance,
the age difference between, as well as gender and the life experience of
siblings, are factors of consideration. It is not simply the older sibling
themselves who impact and influence younger siblings but also the peer
influence that the older siblings bring into the lives of their younger
siblings.
My two older step-brothers
(4 & 5 years age difference) and the older siblings of my friends (both a
brother and a sister) in my recollection had the most influence and impact in
our lives. They provided a source of status and recognition among our peers.
These older siblings and their friends became an easy means of access and
exposure to both alcohol and other drugs.
In addition, it important
to consider the culture of the community you live
in. The culture of the small logging and
mining town I grew up in had a notable impact on the development of attitudes
and behaviors related to alcohol use by my peers and our older siblings. The main street of my home town was three
blocks long; and within that three blocks were located 9 bars. Drinking was a
major recreational activity.
In retrospect, I realize I
grew up observing the drinking and partying behavior of adults in my small home
town. What I saw was also reflected in the behaviors of my older siblings and
their peers well before they were of legal age to drink. The most significant
and direct impact and influence came from those that were closest to me and my
friends. Clearly that was our older siblings, not only by the example they
provided in their use of alcohol, but most directly in their providing access
to alcohol for us.
How are these observations
and reflections of value to parents and older siblings? For parents, be aware when you put older
siblings in circumstances to be responsible for their younger siblings and
recognize that they need to be monitored.
For both parents and older
siblings, think about the example you provide, and most importantly, the
consequences that may come from providing access to alcohol for minor children
and their friends. Times have changed and there are serious legal consequences
that may come from providing alcohol to minors.
And finally, consider the
potential of unintended consequences that can come when serious physical injury
and even death results from alcohol related events. I cannot think of a more
tragic circumstance than the death of a sibling resulting from an alcohol
related incident in which an older sibling provided the alcohol.
Mike Stafford is the Assistant Juvenile Court
Administrator/Probation Manager for Kittitas County Juvenile Court Services and
has worked in
The
Kittitas County Community Network/Drug Free Communities Coalition and the
Community Network agency, through a federal Drug Free Communities grant, are
implementing the “Start Talking Before They Start
Drinking” campaign as a community service for parents. For more information go to
www.kccn-dfc.com.
