It is important that we protect our children from the glamorization of alcohol by the media. Alcohol, while legal, can be a deadly and addictive drug. As the father of two young teenagers, I do not want my children encouraged by the mass media to consume alcohol whatsoever. The National Institute of Health has released a study showing that young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking after 21 years of age.

Last April, I began working with Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard on legislation to establish the National Media Campaign to Prevent Underage Drinking. The campaign would use television, radio, print, and other media to educate youth and parents about the serious risks associated with underage drinking.

I am opposed to any alcohol advertisements and am particularly disturbed by NBC’s recent decision to begin airing liquor advertisements. A member of my staff met with NBC executives to let them know of my opposition to their decision.

We cannot legislatively cure the ills of our society, but we should consider restrictions on the marketing of addictive drugs, including alcohol, particularly targeted at underage consumers. We have policies on tobacco products but alcohol is even more dangerous because it is a mind-altering drug.