The Too Smart To Start Initiative

Too Smart To Start is a public education initiative sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide research-based strategies and materials to professionals and volunteers at the community level to help them conduct an underage alcohol use prevention program. The materials are designed to educate 9- to 13-year-olds about the harms of alcohol use and to support parents and caregivers as they participate in their children’s activities.

The hallmark of the Too Smart To Start initiative is its flexibility in the way in which it can be implemented in the local community. Too Smart To Start is not intended to be prescriptive. Rather, it offers information on the alcohol use behaviors of 9- to 13-year-olds, a consistent message, and basic materials and strategies to localize and deliver the core behavioral messages.

To obtain Too Smart To Start materials and publications, please visit SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.

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