Many parents will be hosting parties for their children during
this prom and graduation season. S.M.A.R.T., Inc. (Southbury & Middlebury
Acting Responsibly Together) would like to suggest that parents and influencing
adults should consider some important factors.
Social hosting is providing and/or serving alcohol to a
young person who is under the minimum age of 21. Social hosting can take place
in a party-like atmosphere or by an adult simply providing alcohol to teenagers
for them to drink. It can even extend to parents and homeowners who are not on
the premises and did not provide the alcohol. Underage drinking is a factor in
41% of teen automobile accidents and 32% of all teen driving deaths.
There are many consequences to hosting a party where
underage drinking occurs.
You may have your driver’s license suspended, pay a fine,
and/or serve jail time.
Homeowner’s insurance can increase.
You may be held civilly liable. Any injuries or accidents
that may result could end in lawsuits.
You could be held responsible for medical bills, property
damages, pain and emotional suffering.
You may suffer from negative press in local radio, TV and
newspapers.
Someone could be seriously injured or killed under your
watch.
The Search Institute published the results of a survey of
Developmental Assets in our Region 15 School District in February 2011.The good
news is 1,763 students from grades six through 12 in Southbury and Middlebury
participated in an assessment called Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and
Behaviors. In it, 59% of our children reported feeling safe at home, school and
in their neighborhood. 45%of students surveyed believe it is important not to
be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.
Underage drinking is never acceptable. It is against the
law. Parents and adult influencers need to do all they can to create an
environment where young people steer clear of dangerous drugs and illegal
situations. Here are some suggestions:
Set a good example
Speak openly with your teen and let them know what your
expectations are. Set clear guidelines, boundaries and consequences.
Get to know your teen’s friends and their parents. Make an
effort to always know what your child is doing and with whom.
Insist that your teen check in with you regularly. If they
are attending a party or staying at a friend’s house, call or drop by to check
in on them.
Learn what your teen’s goals and desires are and discuss
how underage drinking can affect their dreams, relationships and futures.
Parents and other adults have the greatest influence on the
lives of young people. It is the duty of every adult in our communities to
ensure that our children grow up to be happy, productive, drug-free adults
themselves. As we head into a season of happy events--prom, graduations and
summer holidays-- helping our children make healthy choices is the best way to
celebrate.
Information for this article was compiled from “Social
Hosting: Parents, Parties and Underage Drinking” and Developmental Assets: A Profile
of Your Youth for Regional District 15. For more information on underage drinking and
social hosting issues, visit these resources:
http://www.alcoholfreechildren.org
http://www.al-anon.org
http://www.madd.org
http://stopalcoholabuse.gov
http://alcoholpolicymd.com and
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________