P.L. 2011, jr.006 (AJR25 1R)

A Joint Resolution designating ¹[March] April¹ of each year as “Alcohol Awareness for New Jersey Youth Month” in the State of New Jersey.

Whereas, Childhood drinking is a serious problem in this nation and this State; and

Whereas, The average age that children first use alcohol is now 11 years old, and by the time they reach eighth grade, 50 percent of children have tried alcohol; and

Whereas, Alcohol is more commonly used by children than tobacco or illicit drugs, and more childhood deaths are caused by alcohol than all illegal drugs; and

Whereas, Research indicates that New Jersey’s young people are experimenting with alcohol at a rate above the national average, with approximately 407,000 underage drinkers each year; and

Whereas, A recent study indicates that parents are not aware about the extent to which their children are drinking; and

Whereas, A child who begins drinking at the age of 15 has a 40 percent chance becoming alcohol dependent; and

Whereas, This statistic means that children who begin drinking at 15 are five times more likely to develop an alcohol dependency than those who wait until the legal age of 21; and

Whereas, Our youth are exposed to many influences that may encourage underage drinking, as favorable attitudes toward drinking are prevalent throughout society; and

Whereas, In addition to peer pressure and media depictions of alcohol consumption, there are often factors within a family that can influence a child’s decision to drink alcohol, such as a sibling’s use of alcohol, easy access to alcohol, a family history of alcohol dependence, and lack of parental communication, support, monitoring, and discipline; and

Whereas, There are many dangers highly correlated with underage alcohol consumption, including car accidents, suicide, unplanned and unprotected sexual encounters, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and poor performance in, or expulsion from, school; and

Whereas, Research indicates that the human brain continues to develop into a person’s early 20s, and the exposure to alcohol during this period of brain development may lead to long-lasting effects on intellectual capabilities and possibly induce brain damage; and

Whereas, It is clear that a comprehensive strategy is necessary to combat underage drinking, including advocacy, parental involvement, and programs directed at youth; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper that the State recognize ¹[March] April¹ of each year as “Alcohol Awareness for New Jersey Youth Month,” to promote awareness of, and invite public and school sponsored discourse and assemblies on, the topic of underage alcohol consumption; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. ¹[March] April¹ of each year shall be designated “Alcohol Awareness for New Jersey Youth Month,” to promote awareness of, and invite public and school sponsored discourse and assemblies on, the topic of underage alcohol consumption throughout this State.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing ¹[March] April¹ as “Alcohol Awareness for New Jersey Youth Month” in New Jersey and calling upon public officials, local boards of education, school administrators, and the citizens of this State to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

Designates April of each year as “Alcohol Awareness for New Jersey Youth Month.”