It’s graduation time – a time for celebration that is too often marred by the frequently fatal consequences of illegal underage drinking.  One bad decision can result in tragedy for not only the young person, but for his or her family, friends, and our entire community.

65% of teens obtain the alcohol they drink from their parents, friends’ parents, siblings, or older friends, with or without permission.  The good news is that among 10-18 year olds, 65% cite their parents as the leading influence for them not to drink.  Talbot Partnership for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention is asking for your help in making graduation night safe for teens.

Some teens falsely believe that the usual rules for safety and behavior don’t apply on graduation night. That’s why parents need to help teens make safe and healthy choices.

    Do not serve or allow alcohol at any party you are hosting.
    Know where your teenager is attending a party; verify there will be parental supervision, and that it will be alcohol-free.
    Make it clear to your children that you do NOT approve of them drinking alcohol. Educate them on the risks associated with underage drinking and its proven harmful effects on the brain.
    Students who wait until their early twenties to drink are 84% less likely to develop an addiction than those who start earlier.
    The legal drinking age is 21.
    A minor who consumes alcohol is violating the law and risking his/her life, as well as the lives of others.
    An adult who provides alcohol to a minor is breaking the law and risking that child’s life.
    Make sure your teen has a plan for the night and that you know what it is.
    Do not rent houses or hotel rooms for graduates.
    Know who is driving – if it’s a limo, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle.

For further information on how to make graduation celebrations safe, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067 or info@talbotpartnership.org.