ON THE WEB:
The Century Council: www.centurycouncil.org

Girl Talk: www.girlsanddrinking.org

WASHINGTON - A survey released Monday says almost half of mothers think that it's OK for their teenage daughters to drink in some situations - something Cincinnati soccer star Heather Mitts wants to change.

Mitts and the USA Women's Soccer Team teamed up with the Century Council, a nonprofit group funded by the nation's leading distillers, to launch a program, Girl Talk, to help mothers talk to their daughters about the dangers of drinking.

"Maybe it's harder today. Mothers want to be friends with their daughters as opposed to being a parent, but I think that there are certain issues where they need to be the parent," Mitts, 27, said.

A St. Ursula graduate who grew up in Hyde Park, Mitts said she remembers peer pressure well, but her parents, who are divorced, were strict about not drinking.

"I always had to call in at a certain time, and when I got home, I had to come in and wake my mom up," Mitts said, adding that her athletic goals also helped keep her focused.

"I wouldn't be where I am today if I was drinking all the time," the 2004 Olympic gold medalist said.

The survey, conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited, found that 49 percent of mothers interviewed say underage drinking is acceptable, either on special occasions or under parental supervision at home.

The survey, which had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points, also found that mothers significantly underestimate their daughter's experience with alcohol. Results were based on two online surveys, one of 875 mothers and daughters (most of them matched), and another of 802 13-to-18-year-olds.

Susan Molinari, Century Council chairwoman, said the survey indicates that mothers have switched their message from "don't do it" to "be safe," and that's dangerous, considering the possible health consequences of drinking.