Surveys show underage drinking is becoming one of the leading public health problems in the United States.

In 2006, nearly 10.8 million 12 to 17-year-olds drank alcohol on a regular basis.

Statistics show about 20 percent of Jackson County Middle School students have admitted to drinking alcohol.

Azilea Johnson is 13-years-old.

She says the peer pressure to abuse alcohol is very real. "They say, ‘oh it's so fun, come on just have one drink’."

Johnson says she has not given into the influence of other teens.

However, Marianna Middle School Principal Dr. Gail Westbrook admits she's one of few. "If you read some of the text messages on the cell phones I take up at the middle school, then there is no question the drinking goes on."

According to last year’s stats, more than 8000 students drank for the first time.

State Attorney Steve Meadows says that only adds to the number of children already using alcohol. "National statistics are 17 percent of 8th graders 34 percent of 10th graders, [and] 45 percent of 12th graders have consumed alcohol in the last 30 days.”

Gregory Harris says the problem with underage drinking is just as bad in major cities as it is in small communities’ right here in the Panhandle. Local officials say the solution will take everyone's collaboration.

"Many adults tend to come together to talk about the problems affecting young people without talking to young people and number two, without putting a plan of action together,” Harris says.

Harris adds that targeting the parents is the key. "We must work with strengthening families who have in some cases, lost control of their young person; they need some parenting skills".

Other panelists suggest parents monitoring or locking up any alcoholic beverages in the home.

Middle School Student Aldrich Johnson says whatever is done, it needs to happen fast. "If we don't stop it now, it could get worse"

According to the National Survey on Drug Use, each year, more than 5000 people under the age of 21 die as a result to underage drinking.