Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking

Parents play a major role in their children’s choices about alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.  In a recent national survey of parents and teens by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, one-third of teen partygoers have been to parties where teens were drinking alcohol, smoking pot, or using cocaine, Ecstasy or prescription drugs while a parent was present. By age 17, nearly half (46 percent) of teens have been at such parties where parents were present.  

“Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking” is a public awareness campaign to provide parents with accurate information about the health risks of underage drinking and the legal consequences of providing alcohol to youth.  The campaign encourages parents and the community to send a unified message at prom and graduation time that teen alcohol consumption is not acceptable.  It is illegal, unsafe, and unhealthy for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol.  
Here are the facts: 

•   Parents who give alcohol to their teen’s friends under any circumstances, even in their   own homes, are breaking the law.
•   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:

•   Others can sue you if you give alcohol to anyone under 21, and they in turn, hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.
•   You can be arrested for unlawfully dealing with a child, and/or Endangering the welfare of a child, Under the New York State Penal law and other charges may also be considered.

Underage use of alcohol is a serious problem that too often leads to harmful consequences for youth and their families. Parents can protect themselves and their teens by following these guidelines when hosting parties for their children: 

•   Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during prom and     graduation season
•   Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your     property
•   Be at home when your teenager has a party
•   Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home
•   Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at youth events
•   Report underage drinking

More information about “Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking” is available at https://preventionactionalliance.org/about/programs/parents-who-host-lose-the-most/.

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