Youth-Led Media Campaign Aims to Reduce Underage Drinking in Santa Barbara

Friday Night Live program at Maple High School launches creative, research-based effort to promote positive social norms and prevent alcohol use among teens.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A youth-led media initiative in Santa Barbara County is empowering teens to design public service announcements and educational materials that speak directly to their peers and communities in an effort to reduce underage drinking. The campaign, led by the Friday Night Live (FNL) program at Maple High School, will use story-driven media and evidence-based prevention strategies to challenge misconceptions about youth and alcohol, and promote positive social norms by highlighting that a majority of teens in the area are choosing not to drink.

Why it matters

Underage drinking remains a significant public health issue, with alcohol being the most used substance by adolescents. This youth-led campaign aims to address the direct and indirect impacts of underage drinking, including increased risks of motor vehicle crashes, interpersonal violence, and alcohol-related deaths. By elevating the voices and solutions identified by young people, the campaign seeks to shape healthier social norms and drive positive change in the community.

The details

The FNL program at Maple High School is leading this multi-media campaign, which will include educational posters, digital graphics, and video and audio public service announcements. The campaign is part of a statewide collaborative involving 45 FNL chapters across California, and is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. As part of the initiative, youth leaders are also requesting community input through a survey to assess perceptions around underage drinking and traffic safety, which will guide further prevention strategies.

  • The youth-led media campaign is launching in February 2026.
  • The Community Alcohol Survey is currently open for community input.

The players

Friday Night Live (FNL)

A youth-led program that builds partnerships for positive, healthy youth development, engages youth as active community leaders, and generates resources to drive positive change on issues that matter to them.

Maple High School

The high school hosting the FNL chapter leading the underage drinking prevention campaign.

California Friday Night Live Partnership (CFNLP)

The statewide collaborative that provides technical assistance and support to the 45 FNL chapters involved in the campaign.

California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)

The state agency that provided the grant funding for the youth-led media campaign.

Anna Mudge

The Friday Night Live Student Advisor at Maple High School.

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What they’re saying

“When youth speak, communities listen. This campaign proves that change doesn't happen to young people, it happens with them. Their leadership is building a safer, stronger future for all of us.”

— Anna Mudge, Friday Night Live Student Advisor, Maple High School (edhat.com)

What’s next

The youth leaders are requesting community input through the Community Alcohol Survey, which will guide further prevention strategies locally and statewide.

The takeaway

This youth-led media campaign in Santa Barbara County is empowering teens to take an active role in addressing the issue of underage drinking, using creative, evidence-based approaches to challenge social norms and promote positive choices among their peers. By elevating the voices and solutions of young people, the campaign aims to build a safer, healthier future for the community.