Underage drinking plays a monumental role in the cause of many youth problems as well as youth engagement in risky behaviors. Teen pregnancy, suicide, academic failure, violence, accidents and car crashes claim the futures of California’s youth on daily basis-often with alcohol as a major factor.

Friday Night Live works in partnership with young people to change norms, develop policies and educate and engage their communities around taking action to reduce the prevalence underage drinking. With so much at risk, it is hard to comprehend why youth report easy access to alcohol, experience community norms that condone underage and binge drinking and are consistently bombarded with media messages that promote alcohol consumption and hijack our holidays. Telling our youth not to drink isn’t enough-we have to address the environmental elements that are promoting underage drinking, and dimming the bright futures of our youth, families and communities.