In
a shift since 2002, adolescent girls are drinking more than boys. The average
age of girls first drink is now 13, according to studies by the CDC and the AAP.
The seductive marketing of alcoholic beverages through television, radio, billboards,
internet and magazine ads target the teenage girl population with messages of
sexual empowerment and popularity; to be sexy is to drink.
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of the reasons girls are surpassing boys in alcohol consumption is linked to the
higher stress levels that girls experience during puberty. Low self esteem, poor
body image, boredom, peer pressure and the pressure to perform sex can lead girls
to drinking alcohol as a brief escape. 'Feeling sexy' and 'not caring' are cited
by teens as desired effects of alcohol. The cultural, sexual norm of 'hooking-up'
for casual sexual encounters are preceded by binge drinking, leading to risky
sexual behavior leading to STD's, early sexual intercourse, date rape and unplanned
pregnancy.
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