We Don’t Serve Teens Activities Starting In September!
The Federal Trade Commission will launch a new round of We Don’t Serve Teens activities this September with new point of sale materials and radio ads. We’re encouraging all of our partners to speak out in support of the WDST message to help reduce underage access to alcohol. The primary time frame is September to November, 2009.
What can you do to help? Use the free materials available on www.DontServeTeens.gov to reduce underage drinking in your community. Suggested activities are as follows:
- Ask local stations to run the free radio and television public service announcements (PSA’s) that will be available on the website starting in mid-August.
- Post the new POS materials in your community. The FTC is in the process of producing new clings and posters stating, “The legal drinking age is 21. Thanks for not providing alcohol to teens.” You will be able to order clings and posters free from bulkorder.ftc.gov starting in mid-to-late August. You can also download the artwork from our site and print your own signs and materials.
- Issue a press release [sample press release] talking about the We Don’t Serve Teens program.
- Improvise! Use the artwork on our site for shopping bags, cash register receipts, billboards, and posters. Hold a press conference and ask local media to talk about the importance of not serving alcohol to teens. List spokespeople from your organization who can talk about the issue and how communities can help support parents.
Why is this issue important? According to the U.S. Surgeon General, about 5,000 kids under 21 die every year as a result of underage drinking – from crashes, homicides, and suicides. Teens that drink also are at risk for a long list of other injuries and potential life-long alcohol abuse. Data show that most teens that drink alcohol get it from friends and family.
Don't serve alcohol to teens.
It's unsafe. It's illegal. It's irresponsible.