This is from the Drug Free Action Alliance
Here are some facts.
29% of parents and teens know of parents who host teen alcohol parties. (Source: Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking Evaluation Report, January 2007)
25% of teens attended a party where alcohol was served to underage youth in the past two months, while parents thought the number was closer to 15%. (Source: Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking Evaluation Report, January 2007)
Every day, 5,400 young people under 16 have their first drink of alcohol. (Source: Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth with calculations from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health)
Studies reveal that alcohol consumption by adolescents results in brain damage – possibly permanent – and impairs intellectual develop- ment. (Source: Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research *Volume 24, Number 2 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, February 2000)
Children who are drinking alcohol by 7th grade are more likely to report academic problems, substance abuse, and delinquent behavior in both middle and high school. By young adulthood, early alcohol use was associated with employment problems. (Source: Ellickson P., Tucker J., and Klein, D. Ten-year prospective study of public health problems associated with early drinking. Pediatrics 111(5):949-955, 2003)
What you shoud know.
What parents should know:
As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your teen’s friends under the age of 21 under any circumstance, even in your own home, even with their parent’s permission.
You cannot knowingly allow a person under 21, other than your own child, to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol.
If you break the law:
You can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Others can sue you if you give alcohol to anyone under 21, and they, in turn, hurt someone, or damage property.
Law Enforcement can confiscate any alcohol, money or property used in committing the offense.
Things you can do as a parent:
Refuse to supply alcohol to anyone under 21. Be at home when your teen has a party. Make sure alcohol is not brought into your home
or property by your teen’s friends.
Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol
at events your child will be attending.
Create alcohol-free opportunities and activities in
your home so teens will feel welcome.
Report underage drinking to local law
enforcement.
For additional information, please visit: www.DrugFreeActionAlliance.org
With support from Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services
Comments(2)