TABC Debuts New Videos Encouraging Parents to Talk to Their Kids About Alcohol Before They Leave for College

AUSTIN – A new public service video from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission hopes to educate parents and incoming college students on the dangers of alcohol before the fall semester begins.

"My Story: Fall Semester" is a five-minute video which chronicles several weeks in the life of a new college student. The video explores the student's daily life and that of his roommate, both of which take a tragic turn after an alcohol-fueled party. The video includes several tips on ways parents can help their students avoid the dangers of drinking and emphasizes the importance of communication during this critical state of a young person's life.

Underage drinking and hazing rituals are among the top public safety concerns at Texas colleges. According to a 2017 study by the Texas Department of State Health Services, more than 73 percent of Texas college students report consuming at least one alcoholic beverage within the past year. Additionally, a survey by StopHazing.org reports that more than half of college students involved in clubs, teams and organizations have experienced hazing, with participating in drinking games making up more than 25 percent of all hazing rituals.

"We have already seen the tragic results of excessive drinking coupled with hazing," TABC Chairman Kevin Lilly said. "These senseless acts have no place on a Texas college campus. I'm confident that TABC can work with campus authorities, prevention groups and parents to eliminate this leading cause of injury and death among young Texans."

"My Story: Fall Semester" was made possible by grant funding from the Texas Department of Transportation and is available for viewing on the TABC YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/tabcchannel. A second video, "It's Just Easier," detailing the dangers of allowing minors to drink at a parent's home, is available at the same location.

For information on the videos or other educational materials available for the public, please contact TABC's Education and Prevention Division at (512) 206-3420.

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