April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of healthy choices, open communication, and proactive prevention, especially when it comes to youth.

There’s encouraging news to share: According to the latest Monitoring the Future survey, funded by the National Institutes of Health, substance use among adolescents continues to remain at historically low levels. In 2024, reported use of most substances—including alcohol—held steady or declined among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders.

Still, it’s not time to become complacent. Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among teens, with nearly 42% of 12th graders reporting use in the past year. We must keep the lines of communication open with our children to build on these positive trends.

That’s where the 15-Minute Child Break comes in.

The Child Break is a free presentation designed for parents, caregivers, and educators. It provides age-specific information, effective communication tools, and practical prevention strategies to help guide youth toward healthy, substance-free lives.

PDFNJ research shows that kids whose parents talk with them for just 15 minutes a day are 67% less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. That simple daily check-in can make all the difference.

This April, take the opportunity to start the conversation—and keep it going. Sign up today for The 15-Minute Child Break.

Parents and educators can also sign up for the next free webinar in our 2025 Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series. Join us for “The Link Between Alcohol Use, Treatment & Opioid-Related Harms” at 11 am on April 10. The session will feature Dan Blalock, a Medical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University School of Medicine.