A recent survey shows 7 out of 10 Evansville high school students never or rarely drink alcohol.
It takes a minute for that to sink in.
The results are so positive, you might even wonder if they're correct.
Critics say, the 4,000 students polled were obviously lying.
But in this Fox 7 special report, a Central high school junior who took the survey himself says, it's about time the real numbers speak.

Any given day, you'll find Mario Turi after school in the outfield at baseball practice.

The Central high school junior is committed to a pure performance on the field - pure of drugs and alcohol. And when recently asked about it on a special survey - Mario answered from the heart.

Mario says, "I think because of the way I was raised, I've always had a lot of self confidence anyways, so I don't need something false like alcohol to make me feel better."

Mario is one of 4,000 students who recently took the "Most of Us" survey, paid for by the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Grant to Reduce Alcohol Abuse in partnership with Youth First.

The survey showed 7 out of 10 EVSC students never or rarely drink alcohol. (Rarely means 2 or fewer drinks a year).

Skeptics say - kids lie on surveys like these to avoid hearing more anti-alcohol messages.

Could be. But officials from Youth First don't think so. They say, the same survey shows 7 out of 10 students said they want adults to talk to them about alcohol. Adults like moms and dads, coaches, and teachers... It matters to them.

And it matters to Mario.

Mario says, "And I think for me, it's mainly because of my family. I was brought up and I have a very strong family background and my uncles and my dad would be very disappointed in my if I did."

He says, the numbers show one thing. There's a difference between what we think our friends do versus what they really do. And in the EVSC, most kids don't use alcohol.

Keep in mind, it's illegal for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol. The threat of getting caught by police should be enough to keep kids from drinking.
Social researchers call that fear-based prevention.
It doesn't work on most kids.
The whole purpose of the "Most of Us" survey was to find the real data on teen alcohol use. Then they'll use those positive social norms to encourage healthy behavior. It empowers kids to make good choices for themselves.
We're going to be talking about it - this Wednesday - live on WNIN at 8 o'clock. I'll be hosting the "Most of Us" forum with a panel of experts and students.
You'll walk away armed with the latest local research and tips on how to start that conversation with your kids.