The teenage years may be a time in which many youths yearn to try new things, and sometimes the experiences they choose to pursue may have a positive impact on their lives. However, there may also be some scenarios in which the choices your teen makes might not necessarily prove healthy in nature.
There may be a variety of reasons why teens in Massachusetts might choose to engage in underage drinking, and they might not grasp how such decisions could affect their lives. While you might wish to shield your teen from the possible trials involved, you may have questions about how to tell if he or she engages in such behavior.
Possible signs
Knowing some signs that might indicate the presence of such behavior could be vital to preparing to protect your child’s future. Studies indicate that some examples of these signs may include:
- School attendance: A decline in performance and attendance rates at school can be red flags of troubling behavior. Watching for similar signs could prove vital to addressing any underlying concerns.
- Mood and behavior: Studies also indicate that teens who engage in underage drinking may show increased levels of irritability or may begin to exhibit defensive or rebellious behaviors.
- Appearance and interests: Teens who engage in such behaviors may also show an indifference to their appearance, or they may seem to lose all interest in previous hobbies and activities.
- Physical signs: Watching for signs, such as bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, can also be vital. In some cases, teens who consume alcohol may also exhibit issues with concentration or memory.
While knowing how to spot the signs of underage drinking can be helpful to preparing to address the issue, sometimes it might not always be easy to detect such behavior in time to keep legal concerns at bay.
When legal concerns arise
If your teen stands accused of engaging in underage drinking, you may have understandable concerns about how the situation might affect his or her future. Since facing similar legal concerns can be stressful and complex, it might be in your best interests to seek guidance on your legal rights and in preparing to make informed decisions about your options. In doing so, you could obtain much-needed insight in developing a strategy with which to pursue an outcome that best aligns with your child’s future needs and interests.
