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Parents Should Keep Alcohol off the Guest List at Teenage Parties
Parents often look the other way when it comes to teenage drinking, particularly during prom season when their children are celebrating special moments in their lives. It is not unusual for well-meaning parents to provide alcohol to their teen’s friends at house parties and take car keys away in an effort to keep them “safe” from drinking and driving.
Parents often cite two misguided reasons for hosting teen parties where alcohol is served. First, they believe it is “safer” for kids to drink at home, secondly, some parents think that hosting teen parties makes them appear to be “cool” parents. When parents serve alcohol to teens in their home, in reality what they are doing is facilitating their kids comfort with alcohol. This sends a mixed message. Teens believe if it’s OK to drink at home its ok to drink”
Research shows that parents tend to dramatically underestimate underage drinking, and their own child’s drinking in particular. Although it is illegal to sell or give to youth underage 21, young people do not have a hard time getting it. According to a recent report more than 90% of twelfth graders report that alcohol is “very easy” or fairly easy to get. Youth report they obtain alcohol directly or indirectly from adults. And when underage youth drink they drink more heavily and recklessly than adults.
C.A.R.E has launched the “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most: don’t be a party to underage drinking” public awareness campaign to inform parents about the dangers of teenage drinking parties. The objective of the campaign is to inform parents and other adults about the legal ramifications and health and safety risks of serving alcohol, or allowing drinking by teens.
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/or a $1,000 fine.
Others can sue you if you give alcohol to anyone and they in turn, hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
Things you can do as a parent:
Refuse to supply alcohol to children.
Be at home when your teen has a party.
Make sure that alcohol is not brought into your home or property by your teen or their friends.
Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at other events your child will be attending.
Create alcohol-free activities so that teens will feel welcome.
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