In Iowa, 23% of 11th graders said they had drank alcohol in the last 30 days and six percent of eighth grade students also said they had. According to the Iowa Youth Survey, an anonymous survey given to sixth, eighth and 11th grade students across the state every two years, 15% of 11th grade students said they had their first drink at age 13 or 14, while 24% had their first drink at 15 or 16.

Sarah Smith, prevention specialist with Prelude Services, said 57% of Washington County 11th grade students said they had ever drank more than a few sips of alcohol and 20% said they had drank in the last 30 days.

Smith recommends parents talk to their children about alcohol and safe usage. For the full Iowa Youth Survey click here.