En la presente investigación se exploró y describió en niños y adolescentes de escuelas públicas y privadas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina), el desarrollo de comportamientos y hábitos de consumo de alcohol. Se indagó sobre factores de riesgo y factores protectores que pueden incidir en el inicio del consumo y la consecuente modalidad de ingesta de alcohol.Además, se buscó detectar las actitudes que posicionan al púber con respecto al alcohol. La investigación se desarrolló en dos fases. En la primera se administró un cuestionario de cinco preguntas para evaluar el comportamiento de consumo de alcohol. Estas indagaron sobre consumo familiar, consumo de pares, el propio consumo del niño y/o adolescente, la frecuencia de consumo y la cantidad de bebidas ingeridas en cada ocasión de consumo. En la segunda se llevaron a cabo 24 grupos focales. Los resultados muestran como principales factores de riesgo para el inicio del consumo de alcohol en niños y adolescentes, el consumo parental y el del grupo de pares. Como factores protectores se hallaron el apoyo social, el monitoreo parental y la adecuada comunicación e interacción entre la díada padre-hijo. Palabras clave Factores de riesgo, Factores protectores, Comportamiento con res- pecto al alcohol, Niños, Adolescentes ABSTRACT IDENTIFICATION AND PREDICTION OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION MODALITIES IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS The purpose of the present research was to explore and describe in children and adolescents in public and private schools of Buenos Aires (Argentina), the development of behaviors and habits of alcohol consumption. Risk and protective factors that can affect the onset of consumption and the consistent form of alcohol intake were explored. In addition, were detected attitudes that place to the pubescent with regard to alcohol. The research consisted on two phases. In the first, one questionnaire was administered which evaluated the behavior with regard to alcohol. This questionnaire included five questions about: family consumption of alcohol, consumption of pairs and their own consumption of alcohol, apart from the frequency of consumption and quantity. In the second stage 24 focus groups were performed. The results showed as major risk factors for the onset of drinking in children and adolescents, the parental consumption and peer group. As protective factors were found: social support, parental monitoring and adequate communication and interaction between the parent-child dyad. It is expected from this research to deepen understanding of this problem in order to help rethink strategies of action and/or public policy. Key words Risk factors, Protective factors, Behavior with regard to alcohol,