Alcohol Use Among U.S. 8th Graders: 2019 National Data

According to the 2019 National Center for Education Statistics study, 11.6% of 8th graders reported consuming alcohol in the past 30 days.

This reflects ongoing underage drinking concerns. Early alcohol use correlates with:

• Increased risk of alcohol use disorder later in life
• Academic difficulties
• Risky behaviors (driving, unprotected sex)
• Brain development disruption

Prevention strategies include parental communication, school-based programs, community enforcement of minimum drinking age laws, and reducing youth exposure to alcohol marketing.