Teens obtaining fake identification is nothing new. Although most states have made it more difficult to duplicate a driver’s license since 9/11, young adults can still purchase IDs that make them old enough to buy alcohol or get into a nightclub. What is new is that researchers have found that young adults with fake IDs are more likely to get into trouble with drugs and alcohol than their counterparts.

What researchers found was shocking. Teens and young adults with fake IDs were drastically more likely to binge drink, smoke marijuana and use more dangerous hallucinogens and narcotics. A fake ID also correlated with getting arrested. An older study cites that 56 percent of fake ID holders used alcohol the previous week, compared to 14 percent of under-age students who didn’t have fake IDs.

Everybody is not getting fake IDs. Statistics show that 7 percent of high school students and 14 percent of college freshmen have them. Some studies find that a third of college students will use a fake ID at least once. With these numbers, the “everybody else does it” argument does not wash.

False identification will set your child back some money. Depending on where you live, it can cost $150 or more. Sometimes club bouncers will ask for a kickback to not call the police when they spot a fake ID. And, of course, if your kid gets caught, there are court appearances and legal fees.

The new study’s authors suggested that punishing young adults and teens for obtaining a fake ID may not be the answer. They suggest focusing on decreasing the likelihood that kids search out a source for fake IDs to begin with. Parental guidance is the best defense.

What can you do to deter your child from getting a false ID?

These four tips can help .. continue reading at LinkedIn