Children’s Eyes Are Always Watching

The Garrett County Health Department’s Just Like You program reminds all adults to be positive role models for children. Big or little, their eyes are always watching the adults they look up to.

Keep these things in mind:

• Asking a child to get a beer for you can make young kids feel comfortable handling alcohol.
• Telling drinking stories and laughing about heavy drinking can make alcohol seem necessary to have fun.
• Encouraging a friend to drink more around a child could make them think, “More drinks means more fun!” and teaches them peer pressure is okay.

“Between ages 9 and 13, children start to view alcohol more positively and begin thinking underage drinking is okay because they want to be Just Like You,” said Garrett County Sheriff’s Deputy Joseph Casey.  “Some even start to experiment.  It is never too early to talk to children about alcohol.”

Visit the program’s website, CopyCatFun.com, and the Just Like You Facebook page to view a new video featuring Deputy Casey.

This message is brought to you by the Garrett County Health Department’s Just Like You campaign and funded by Maryland Department of Health and SAMHSA.

Photo Cutline: The Just Like You program of the Garrett County Health Department reminds all adults to be positive role models for children. Pictured above are Destin Moon and AlecXander Michaels who are featured, along with Deputy Joseph Casey, in a new video posted on the CopyCatFun.com website and Just Like You Facebook page.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department