Teen Drinking

Spring storms and warmer temperatures signal to us that summer will soon be here. As many of us focus on the coming summer time activities schools throughout the county are preparing for prom and graduation ceremonies. While these times represent an end to school they also signify an increase in teen drinking and drug use. It’s the celebratory nature of prom and graduation that can lure teens to drink and use illicit drugs. A host of studies makes disturbingly clear, drug and alcohol abuse is an all too common aspect of many teenagers' lives.

As most parents know only too well, when teens believe their peers are engaging in a particular behavior, they are far more likely to engage in it themselves. Still, parents can play an important part in helping keep prom night a safe celebration. Many schools host “After Prom” or “Grad Night” parties giving students an excellent alternative to using drugs or alcohol. As law enforcement we commend those parents, schools, and businesses in our community that support those efforts. Parents need to remind their teens that, prom and graduation celebrations notwithstanding, underage drinking is still against the law and illicit drug use is prosecutable at any age.

Every 15 minutes in the United States someone is killed in an alcohol related traffic collision. Teen drivers ages 16 and 17 driving with even one teen passenger are 50 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than when alone. With two teen passengers the risk more than doubles and with three or more teen passengers, a crash is three to five times more likely.

During prom and graduation season, parents need to be especially vigilant about reinforcing positive messages about safe driving habits. More than half of all fatal car crashes during prom and graduation involve alcohol. Parents can help their teens avoid such situations by talking about the implications of such actions.

Graduation and prom nights are life-defining events for teens. With planning and sensible limits on the celebration, these events and many others can be the source of some wonderful memories and not lifelong regrets.