Elizabeth Shepard

About the author: Elizabeth Shepard is a freelance journalist and author of the novel H.

Underage drinking is an enormous problem among America's youth, leading to tragic consequences for teenagers who are regularly injured or killed in drunk driving accidents. To combat media messages that portray alcohol as sexy and fun, and to reduce the ease with which many teenagers can purchase alcohol, parents must join forces with federal and state governments in communicating to children the dangers associated with alcohol use. Such efforts should include stronger alcohol education, improved treatment for abusers, and better enforcement of the minimum drinking age. These steps are necessary to reduce the staggering human and monetary costs of underage drinking.

Eighteen-year-old Leah Bean gave up alcohol in 1998. During her junior year in high school...