Minnesota Campaign Targets Teen Drinking

Courtesy of MyFOX9.com

ST. PAUL – A new campaign to fight teen drinking is relying on the idea that fewer teenagers drink than everyone thinks.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is funding the advertising campaign, called “Most of Us.”

A survey of high school students in several Minnesota towns last winter showed they overestimated their peers’ drinking. And the survey found most teens thought drinking was bad, but they didn’t think their peers agreed.

Carol Falkowski, director of Human Services’ chemical health division, says once kids know their peers aren’t all using alcohol, they reduce their own drinking.

Communities involved in the campaign include Chisholm, Menahga, Mora, Ogilvie, Pierz, Pine River-Backus, Renville County West, Roseau, South St. Paul, Wadena, Warroad and Yellow Medicine County East.