IntroductionAccording to Windle et al. (2009) adolescents between the ages of 10 and 15 begin to consume alcohol. Adolescents go through puberty at this stage. This means they experience greater emotional mood swings, greater emotions when dealing with emotional events, and tend to break more rules and exhibit rule-breaking behaviors (Windle, et al., 2009). 19.5% of eighth graders and 42.1% of 10th graders reported having been drunk in their lifetime (Windle, et al., 2009). It is said that adolescents who drink consistently during this time period are more likely to have a harder time transitioning into adulthood (Zhong, et al., 2010). Eighth graders have stronger disapproval of alcohol than their older tenth grade counterparts. , from 51.2% to 38.5% (Windle, et al., 2009). “Approximately 57.2% of eighth graders and 53.3% of 10th graders rated five or more drinks of alcohol once or twice each weekend as a “great risk” of harm” (Windle , et al., 2009). Early adolescent alcohol use is associated with suicidal behaviors including ideation, attempts, and completion. Early alcohol consumption is also associated with sexual behaviors. Underage alcohol use doesn't just harm teenagers. It also affects the world around them, such as their families, friends and community. Why does underage drinking occur? What is the reason why they started drinking so early? Childhood experiences, parents, peers and the media have more of an effect on underage drinking than you might think. Childhood ExperiencesOur childhood constitutes who we are today. Childhood experiences can profoundly influence our behaviors and curiosity about alcohol at a young age. ...... half the paper ...... and underage drinking. Substance use and abuse. vol. 44 Issue 2, p179-194, 16p, 4 ChartsWard, B.M., & Snow, P.C. (2011). Factors influencing parental provision of alcohol to underage adolescents. Drug and alcohol review. 30(4): 338-43.Wechsler, H., Lee JE., Nelson, T.F.,.& Kuo, M. (2002). Underage college student drinking behavior, access to alcohol, and the influence of deterrent policies: Results from the Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study. Journal of American College Health. 50(5): 223-36. (30 refs) Windle, M., Spear, L.P., Fuligni, A.J., Angold, A., Brown, J.D., Pine, D., et al. (2009). Transitions to minors and alcoholism problems. Drug and alcohol review. 30 (4): 338-43. Zhong, H., & Schwartz, J. (2010). Exploring gender-specific trends in underage alcohol use across adolescence. Journal of youth and adolescence. 39 (8): 911-26. (49 ref)