Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Cell: (916) 261-6219 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net
Contact: Olivia Campoverde-Gonzalez, Project Specialist, Youth Development and School-Based Mentor Programs
Phone: (916) 228-2215 • Email: ocampoverde@scoe.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Sacramento, CA—This school year, three Friday Night Live (FNL) chapters in Sacramento County—which are supported by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE)—launched a campaign to tackle underage drinking in Sacramento County. FNL is a youth-led program that builds partnerships for positive and healthy youth development, engages youth as active community leaders, and generates resources to create positive changes on issues that matter to them.
Underage alcohol consumption is a persistent and severe public health challenge, resulting in thousands of deaths yearly through motor vehicle crashes, violence, suicide, alcohol poisoning, and other causes. Although underage drinking rates continue to decline, the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) found that young people in 7th, 9th, and 11th grades have engaged in alcohol use in the past month at rates of 4%, 10%, and 14%, respectively (CHKS, 2023). Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has shown underage alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of risks and dangerous consequences, including impaired judgment, risky behaviors, interference with brain development, and increased risk of developing substance use disorders in adulthood (NIAAA, 2024).
Young people in Friday Night Live (FNL) at Del Campo High School (San Juan USD), Inderkum High School (Natomas USD), and Rio Linda High School (Twin Rivers USD) are taking a stand to promote healthy alternatives to underage drinking, creating safer communities. There is a common misconception that all young people engage in underage drinking, perpetuated by movies, television, music, and social media. These portrayals create a skewed image of youth behavior. As a result, many young people who choose to avoid drinking may feel isolated or out of place. Social norms (the behaviors and attitudes a group believes are acceptable) significantly influence individual choices. Research shows these norms can shape teens’ behavior and what they think is “normal.”
In response to this, Del Campo, Inderkum, and Rio Linda students in FNL have launched a multi-media campaign designed to challenge the negative stereotypes about youth and alcohol. The initiative promotes positive social norms by sharing posters, digital graphics, and public service announcements created by young people about making healthy choices and living alcohol-free. By amplifying these voices, the campaign aims to inspire other teens to make empowered decisions about their health and wellbeing, while shifting the broader narrative about youth and alcohol.
Sacramento residents should be proud to know that 82% of 11th graders in Sacramento County have never had alcohol within their community, and 85% of Del Campo High School FNL students reported not using alcohol. FNL members highlighted these positive behaviors by creating posters, digital graphics, and public service announcements to encourage more young people across the county to participate in healthy life decisions. FNL members permeated their campuses, neighborhoods, and online platforms with their messages wherever young people congregate. In addition, Del Campo, Inderkum, and Rio Linda High School FNL members encouraged parents and community members to refrain from giving minors alcohol by implementing a Parent Pledge. To educate their peers about the dangers of underage drinking, FNL members planned and implemented schoolwide activities on their campus that simulated how alcohol use can affect one’s movements.
Quotes
“I like that through FNL I can be connected to my community and I’m able to socialize with my peers and do projects that create positive change and encourage people to be the best versions of themselves.”
—Giorgi Kvaratskhelia, Del Campo High School FNL
“I’m proud that through FNL, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on both our campus and in the community. It’s inspiring to witness youth leaders grow and make a real difference in the lives of others.”
—Melissa May, Inderkum High School FNL
“Being involved in a program like FNL makes me feel empowered knowing I’m making a positive change in my community, and I love being able to stand up for my future, and for my friends’ futures too.”
—Isabella Heredia, Rio Linda High School FNL
About the Project
Throughout the year-long underage drinking prevention campaign, young people have received training on data collection, public speaking, creating public service announcements, and leadership and advocacy skills. Del Campo, Inderkum, and Rio Linda High School are part of a statewide initiative that includes 45 FNL chapters across California, receiving support from the California Friday Night Live Partnership through funding provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety.
The FNL young people have utilized environmental prevention strategies through youth-led initiatives to educate their peers, neighbors, and local leaders on ways to reduce underage drinking access and mitigate the damages caused to communities resulting from underage drinking.
SCOE’s Prevention and Early Intervention Department supports Friday Night Live and Club Live chapters in Sacramento County.