Letting Kids Drink: Is It Worth The Risk?

The following article on underage drinking, the risks, and what parents can do to avoid the risks was provided by The Groton Dunstable Alliance for Youth .

Underage Drinking..

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 one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
• Others can sue you if you give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they, in turn, hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
• Officers can take any alcohol, money, or property used in committing the offense.

Things you can do as a parent:

• Refuse to supply alcohol to children other than your own in your home or on your property. It's more important to be safe than to be "cool."
• Be at home when your teen has a party.
• Make sure that your teen's friends do not bring alcohol into your home or on your property.
• 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.
• Protect your kids and your house while you are away . Contact the local police for a "HOUSE CHECK." They will check on your house during your absence.

Alcohol Use and Teens...

The laws:

• It is illegal to make alcohol available to children other than your own.
• It is illegal to host or allow teen drinking parties in your home.
• It is unsafe and illegal for teens to drink and drive.
• Parents can be prosecuted under the law.
• Everything associated with a violation, such as personal property can be confiscated.

What's going on in Groton-Dunstable?

• The 2006 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that 83% of 8^th graders and 57% of high school students do not use alcohol on a regular basis. Contrary to popular perception, everyone does not drink! We need adults to encourage and support this healthy behavior!
• 8% of 8^th graders and on average 31% of high school students (43% of seniors) report being in private homes where teens were allowed to drink at parties-the good news is that these figures have decreased since 2004! Consider the risks. Our children are worth more than a party.
• Allowing teens to drink because "they'll do it anyway, they may as well be home and be safe" does not reduce all risks associated with alcohol use and it is illegal. Parents assume liability for these actions.

Keep our kids safe!

Letter to parents/guardians from Middlesex District Attorney & Superintendent