The "Parents Who Host, Lose The Most" Campaign encourages parents and the community to send a unified message that teen alcohol consumption is not acceptable. We have a responsibility to help youth realize that alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs are not necessary to enjoy activities or to show independence. By being positive role models and working together during this exciting point in teens' lives, we will ensure that we are making only positive marks on the pagers of their lives. In the next couple of months, we will be providing parents, families, and community groups with the following information:
- It is illegal to host or allow teen drinking parties in your home
- It is unhealthy and unacceptable for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol
- It is unsafe and illegal for teens to drink and drive
- Parents can be criminally prosecuted for hosting teen alcohol parties
- Parents can be sued in civil court for damages/injuries from teen alcohol parties
Underage use of alcohol is a serious problem that too often leads to harmful consequences for youth and their families. Some parents have the attitude that "I did it when I was in high school, so what's the harm?" Realize that things have changed:
- When many parents were in high school, the legal drinking age was 18 and underage drinkers often consumed "3-2" beer. The legal age for any alcohol consumption is now 21.
- Drunk driving laws are much tougher than in the past.
- Many more teens have automobiles at their disposal, and are driving farther to attend parties.
- Recent research into brain development of adolescents has revealed that underage drinking is the main cause of adult alcoholism. The average age when kids take their first drink in Wisconsin is 12.
Where do kids get alcohol?
- According to the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Education, more than half of 9th graders who drink get alcohol from their own home or a friend's home. Seniors in high school obtain 1/3 of the alcohol they consume from their home or friends' homes.
- Two-thirds of teen said alcohol is easy to get from their home.
- One third of teens surveyed said parents supplied alcohol for them to drink.
If you don't think that there are real dangers and consequences from underage drinking, click HERE to watch the "Edge of Reality" which is based on a true story. Teenagers from Neenah, WI are having the best times of their lives. They are finishing high school, planning their career paths, and enjoying the friendships they have grown throughout their years in Neenah. Everything changes one night after making poor decisions about drinking alcohol. The Neenah students soon discover that they are living a new reality.
Parents can protect themselves and their teens by following these guides when hosting parties for their children:
· Host safe, alcohol free activities and events for youth during prom and graduation
· Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in their 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
(Sponsored by the National Drug Free Action Alliance)
It's not worth it!
Being a cool parent could cost you…Your house, car, boat and your retirement savings.
Purchase, provide or pour alcohol for underage drinkers and the people they injure can sue you. And since your homeowners insurance doesn't cover illegal activity – the risk all falls on you!
If you would like to join the "Parents Who Host, Lose The Most" campaign and help deliver the same message community wide: "Underage Drinking is NOT okay", please click here for resources and more information. Remember anyone can participate and help make the difference.