Today, we’re going to wrap up the Lesson for Tweens About Drinking series with a Bible game that’s sure to shed some light on the topic. If you missed the first two parts of this series, part one can be found here and part two can be found here.
Small Group Activity
To be prepared for what peer pressure you will most likely come into, it’s important to know the facts. Try out this Bible game and see how many facts you get right about drinking underage.
Divide boys and girls into two groups. Print out the following Fact or Myth questions and give the activity sheets to each group.
Keep the answers to yourself for now.
When they are finished answering questions, have them discuss to make sure they have the same answers. Give each group the answers when you are satisfied that they have discussed them enough.
Fact or Myth Activity Sheet
Take this quiz about alcohol, featured by the ToSmartToStart website, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Circle Fact or Myth for each question:
1. Fact or Myth: Alcohol isn’t as harmful as other drugs.
2. Fact or Myth: Drinking is a good way to loosen up at parties.
3. Fact or Myth: Drinking alcohol will make me cool.
4. Fact or Myth: All of the other kids drink alcohol. I need to drink to fit in.
5. Fact or Myth: I can sober up quickly by taking a cold shower or drinking coffee.
6. Fact or Myth: Adults drink, so kids should be able to drink, too.
7. Fact or Myth: Beer and wine are safer than liquor.
8. Fact or Myth: I can drink alcohol and not have any problems.
Fact or Myth Activity Sheet Answers
The statements presented were all MYTHS! If you guessed every one a fact, you get 100!
1. Alcohol increases your risk for many deadly diseases, such as cancer. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can kill you.
2. Drinking is a dumb way to loosen up. It can make you act silly, say things you shouldn’t say, and do things you wouldn’t normally do (like get into fights).
3. There’s nothing cool about stumbling around, passing out, or puking on yourself. Drinking alcohol also can cause bad breath and weight gain.
4. If you really want to fit in, stay sober. Most young people don’t drink alcohol. Research shows that more than 70 percent of youth age 12 to 20 haven’t had a drink in the past month.
5. On average, it takes 2 to 3 hours for a single drink to leave the body. Nothing can speed up the process, not even drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or “walking it off.”
6. A young person’s brain and body are still growing. Drinking alcohol can cause learning problems or lead to adult alcoholism. People who begin drinking by age 15 are five times more
likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol than those who begin drinking after age 20.
7. Alcohol is alcohol. It can cause you problems no matter how you consume it. One 12-ounce bottle of beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine (about a half cup) has as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. Alcopops – sweet drinks laced with malt liquor – often contain more alcohol than beer!
8. If you’re under 21, drinking alcohol is a big problem: It’s illegal. If caught, you may have to pay a fine, perform community service, or take alcohol awareness classes. Kids who drink also are more likely to get poor grades in school and are at higher risk for being a crime victim.
Remember: The pressure to drink is generally a lot worse than the pressure to do drugs. It may be one of the most difficult pressures you ever face. But “If God is for me, who can be against me?” says Romans 8:31. Be prepared, stick close to the Lord, and you will stand”¦
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