With kids heading back to school, experts say there's no better time to talk to them about the dangers of drinking.

One substance abuse prevention specialist says underage drinking isn't just your teenager's problem. It starts with the social culture of Wisconsin, but can end with a parent.

One week ago, a high school senior was charged with drinking and driving and killing his 19-year-old friend. Our web story quickly filled up with words of support, but some that could scare any parent.

One girl wrote "...I’m 17 and 90 percent or the people I know drink or have before and I guarantee all of them have either driven under the influence or have gotten into the car with someone who has..."

"Parents need to take the time to talk to them when it's fresh and be talking to your kids about the issue and stressing that it's not acceptable," says Pamela Radcliffe with Reality Check 21 in Eau Claire County. She says what parents also need to realize is that their kids are listening.

"A lot of times parents think maybe their kids listen to their friends or other people more. But in the Roper Youth Survey of 2007, 76% said their parents are the number one influence. We have a lot more power than we think we do."

But, Radcliffe says it can't be a one time talk.

"Keep sending the consistent message that it's not OK for kids to drink alcohol. Set clear rules and guidelines. As much as they say they don't like rules, they can use you as the fallout guy. 'I can't do it or my parents will kill me' kind of thing," Radcliffe says.

And she says all parents need to form a united front.

"Sometimes they'll say 'John's parents let him or Hannah’s parents let her.' If you network with your children's friends' parents, you'll often find out that's not the case," she says.

Because right now, Radcliffe says it's up to each adult to make a difference in the way underage drinking is viewed in Wisconsin.

"Everyone is so sad when they see something like this happen and it is a terrible tragedy,” she says referring to last weeks crash. “But, the shock value tends to wear off quickly... until the next one happens.”

There are a number of youth and parent programs available through Reality Check 21. Radcliffe says anyone who'd like more information can call the Consortium for Substance Abuse Prevention in Eau Claire County. That number is (715) 839-6967.