From the Editors of Common Sense Media

January 22, 2007

With Lindsay Lohan going into rehab and Miss USA just getting out, what can parents say to kids who idolize these young women?

They probably already know that underage party girl Lohan has a drinking

problem and that Miss USA Tara Conner and her underage antics were publicly ridiculed by Miss Universe organization co-owner Donald Trump. But what they may not know is that there's a direct connection between role models, advertising, and the effect that both have on behavior.

Point out to your kids all of the places that they see drinking -- ads, movies, TV shows, celebrity news. Tell them that these appearances are all designed to get them to drink. Let them know what's at stake -- that the age many kids say they first try alcohol is 12.8 and that 47 percent of kids who start drinking before age 14 become alcoholics within 10 years.

We already know how advertising impacts drinking among teens -- so why should we underestimate the influence of today's celebutantes? Talk to your kids about the influence of their peers and media personalities. Click here for tips on on using media to teach teens.