It’s spring break, and for some kids in our community, that unfortunately means a lot of free time, not enough supervision, and easy access to alcohol. That also makes it a perfect time for adults to have some frank discussions with their kids about drinking.

Those who think it’s not really a problem, or that it only affects other people’s kids, might want to think again. Just a couple of months ago, right here in Grant County, a handful of middle schoolers got caught partying to an extreme that qualifies as binge drinking.

The incident was almost eerie, coming so soon after the unveiling of a new Grant County initiative to combat drinking among local youth. The Grant County Commission on Children and Families in January named youth substance abuse as a top priority on a list of challenges facing the county. The commission based its ranking on survey results and information from statewide studies that showed relatively high use of alcohol among eighth-graders.

In its comprehensive plan, the Commission hopes to put the problem of underage drinking at the forefront for the agencies, schools and organizations that work with children. It also supports efforts like the recent “Face-it, parents” campaign, a public information effort intended to get drinking facts out on the table – in restaurants and at home – where families can talk openly about the issue.

That’s a call to action that has allies in high places. The acting U.S. Surgeon General last year targeted underage drinking by noting that it’s “not just about spring break, and it’s not just about parties.”

“As early as ages 8 and 9, our children are confronted with decisions about alcohol on a regular basis in many settings – including at home and at school,” he said.

He urged Americans to take responsibility and stop seeing underage drinking as a rite of passage. The risks, he said, are serious – academic failure, risky behavior, limitations on brain functions, injuries, and even death. The research shows that young people who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to have alcohol-related problems later in life.

Those are serious consequences, but ones that kids won’t necessarily worry about without some prodding from adults. Perhaps there’s no more fitting time than spring break – a time that’s achieved almost mythic status as an “anything goes” rite of passage for teens and even younger kids – to raise the issue with your children ,and see what they think and what they know. Who knows – They may appreciate the chance to talk about it.