TABC Releases New Educator Guide Book to Help Teach Teens the Dangers of Underage Drinking

AUSTIN – A new guide book from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will help high school teachers explain the dangers of underage drinking to students across the state.

The new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Criminal Justice Law Enforcement II guide book is available for free to Texas educators of students in grades 11-12. The book was unveiled at the Texas Industrial Vocational Association Summer Professional Conference in Irving July 16 and is designed to help teachers meet alcohol education standards adopted by the Texas Education Agency in 2015.

The TEKS Criminal Justice Law Enforcement II program consists of multiple lessons intended to challenge the idea that underage drinking, intoxication and other alcohol-related public safety issues are harmless, while reinforcing the important role peace officers play in enforcing laws prohibiting illegal sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

"Teachers are an important part of helping teenagers understand the dangers of underage alcohol consumption and binge drinking," said Bentley Nettles, TABC Executive Director. "TABC was given a mandate by the Texas Legislature to assist our education professionals in preventing the senseless deaths stemming from illegal alcohol use, and this guidebook is an outstanding resource for teachers and students alike."

The guide book was made possible by grant funding from the Texas Department of Transportation's Under 21 Community Education Project. The guide is available as a free download from TABC's recently redesigned education website, www.2young2drink.com.

Contact: Chris Porter TABC Public Information Officer (512) 206-3462