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PARENTS WHO HOST LOSE THE MOST

Parents play a major role in their child's decision to drink or not drink alcohol while underage. The "Parents Who Host Lose The Most" campaign encourages parents and all those in the community to send a unified message, especially during prom and graduation season, that teen alcohol consumption is unhealthy, unsafe and unacceptable.

Across the country, surveys have found that the usual drinking location for the majority of high school students is as much as 23 percent in their own homes, and more than half the time in another person's home.

Hosting a prom or graduation party where alcohol is available to underage youth is illegal and can pose serious health risks and legal ramifications for everyone involved. Parents should understand that taking away the car keys does not solve all problems related to underage drinking. Every day, teens are dying from non-driving, alcohol-related causes, like drowning and suicide, as well as the more direct cause of alcohol poisoning. There are also many other health-related consequences of youth consuming alcohol, including negative effects on brain development, increased sexual activity, deviant behavior, including stealing and skipping school, and a greater risk of becoming alcohol-dependent later in life.

From a legal standpoint, parents who knowingly allow a person under age 21 (other than their own child) to remain on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and face a jail sentence and fines. Adults may also face potential civil liability if someone is injured as a result of alcohol consumption on their property.

Adults providing alcohol to underage youth send a mixed message and can only add to a teenager's confusion about the acceptability of drinking. They are also sending the message to teens that they do not have to obey the law. Research shows that most teenagers appreciate it when their parents set boundaries and establish expectations that are fairly enforced. Our youth deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused. The Union Township Police Department encourages all parents to be unified in our message and host alcohol-free parties with plenty of fun activities to show our youth that we care about their future.

Remember, PARENTS WHO HOST LOSE THE MOST!

*       It is illegal to host or allow teen drinking parties in your home
*       It is unhealthy and unacceptable for anyone under age 21 to drink
*       It is unsafe and illegal for teens to drink and drive
*       Parents can be criminally prosecuted under the law
*       Parents can be sued civilly for any damages caused by hosting or allowing teens to drink alcohol in your home
Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 May 2011 15:41
 

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