AG Zoeller, Olympic figure skater ask kids to say ‘no’ to alcohol

New PSA begins airing statewide as part of Alcohol Awareness Month

                                                                                                                                                 

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller teamed up with Olympic figure skater Ashley Wagner in a new public service announcement (PSA) to ask children to say “yes” to a healthy lifestyle and “no” to underage drinking.

Zoeller said the PSA, which will begin airing statewide this month, is part of a national awareness campaign called Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix. The message is timed with April’s designation as Alcohol Awareness Month and supported by the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility – formerly known as The Century Council.

“It is my hope that this message will kick start conversations between parents and children about the dangers of underage drinking,” Zoeller said. “While children look up to professional athletes and others as role models, parents play the biggest role in keeping their child on the right track.”

Parents can visit www.AskListenLearn.com for tools they need to start and continue the sometimes difficult conversation about underage drinking including facts and information, downloadable materials, and a youth fitness blog. To watch the new PSA visit http://bit.ly/1mqidk5.

“April is alcohol awareness month and we want to remind parents to continue to talk with their kids about the dangers of underage drinking,” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Century Council. Over the last decade, 62 percent more kids reported talking with their parents about underage drinking while underage drinking reported among 8th graders has reached a historic low. We hope this year’s PSA will motivate parents to continue to have the conversation with their kids.”

Children are encouraged to visit www.AskListenLearn.com to become part of the Ask, Listen, Learn Team by making a pledge to be active for 60 minutes a day and to say “no” to underage drinking.

Zoeller continues to promote Indiana’s Lifeline Law which encourages young people to call 911 if someone is suffering alcohol poisoning and makes the caller immune from criminal charges related to underage drinking. This year, the law was extended to include immunity from prosecution if underage callers seek help for other types of medical emergencies such as concussions, or are a victim of a sexual assault, or witness and report a crime. For more about the state’s Lifeline Law visit http://www.indianalifeline.org/index.html.