The new year is here and somehow we’ve found ourselves in 2025–a moment in time that once sounded like it could only exist in the distant future! (Where are the flying cars!?!) As with everything, time seems to be racing on. For parents, this sense of moving at warp speed can feel even more intense. While many of us are diving into the new year with fresh resolutions and goals (we’re keeping it simple with things like “drink more water”) here at Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships, our mission remains steadfast: to build a stronger community that empowers parents with the tools they need to help their children thrive. For us, this means focusing on the powerful role of parent modeling, helping parents understand the impact of limiting access to alcohol and other drugs and providing access to research and resources that gives parents the knowledge and tools to take action.
As we step into the new year, many people are embracing the energy of Dry January—a time to reflect on alcohol use and explore healthier habits. (Nearly ¼ of Americans participated in 2024!) While we’re not here to suggest everyone should eliminate alcohol, we are inspired by the broader conversation about making healthier choices. At MHYP, we’re particularly focused on keeping youth events substance-free, fostering environments where young people can connect, have fun, and grow without the influence of alcohol or other substances. To see a larger community embracing this energy fuels us to keep providing parents with the information and tools they need!
This conversation aligns with a critical public health message released by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy last week: alcohol is now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it’s proven to cause cancer, and Murthy is pushing to get alcohol labels updated to reflect this. And, maybe having the information clearly available isn’t a bad idea. According to the report, alcohol is linked to seven different types of cancer. Each year, over 100,000 are diagnosed with cancers caused by alcohol and an estimated 20,000 people die. These staggering numbers highlight why it’s so important to raise awareness and encourage (and model) thoughtful decision-making. The report can be a great conversation starter in helping our youth understand the broader impact of their choices.
The good news? Gen Z is actually drinking less than previous generations. Studies show that young people today are more likely to prioritize their health, mental well-being, and financial goals, leading them to make more intentional choices about alcohol. Many Gen Zers are also embracing substance-free activities and exploring new ways to connect socially without alcohol being the centerpiece. This shift is a powerful reminder that cultural norms around drinking can change—and that young people are already leading the way.
At Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships, we want to amplify the momentum, particularly as Marin still reports higher than average rates of substance use for teens. Fortunately, we know what to do to help lower these numbers. By keeping youth events substance-free, providing accurate information, and supporting parents in modeling positive behaviors, we can help Marin kids to make healthier choices and reduce the consequences of early substance use.. Together, we can create a culture where choosing not to drink is normalized and celebrated, empowering kids to make decisions that support their long-term health and well-being.
This new year offers an opportunity to reflect, align with these positive shifts, and continue building a community where healthier choices are the norm. We hope you’ll join us!
To learn more about keeping youth events substance-free, head to our Raising The Bar Program.
For more information about substances and to learn how to talk to your kids, head to Let’s Talk.
For information on the importance of limiting access to alcohol and Social Host Ordinances, head to Be The Influence.
For tips on how to make healthier choices, check out our Numb or Nourish project.