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Celebrate an alcohol-free homecoming

Sept. 19, 2012 | 0 comments

In the 2012 Tomahawk High School (THS) and Tomahawk Middle School (TMS) Social Norms Parent surveys, 100% of TMS and 97% of THS parents don't approve of parents who allow other people's children to drink alcohol in their homes… even with supervision.

Merrill High School (MHS) parents do not approve of alcohol being served at teen parties even with supervision. 95% of Merrill High School parents indicated this in the 2011 MHS Social Norms Parent Survey.

Hosting a party where alcohol is available to underage youth is illegal and can pose serious health risks and legal ramifications for everyone involved. Parents should not be misled by the plea: "But other parents let their kids do it." Adults providing alcohol to underage youth send a mixed message and can only add to a teenager's confusion about the acceptability of drinking. They are also sending the message to teens that they do not have to obey the law. Research shows that most teenagers appreciate it when their parents set boundaries and establish expectations that are fairly enforced.

According to Wisconsin laws, parents who knowingly allow a person under age 21 to remain on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and face jail sentencing, fines and/or loss of property.

Lincoln County Drug-Free Coalition is continuing the "Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don't be a party to teenage drinking" public awareness campaign to inform parents about the dangers of teenage drinking parties. The goal 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.

Homecoming can be an important event in young people's lives. Teenagers deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused. Hosting a lively alcohol-free party with plenty of fun activities for everyone is the best way to show youth that we care about their future.

Parents Who Host, Lose the Most: Don't be a party to teenage drinking was developed by and is a project of Drug-Free Action Alliance. For more information, please visit http://lincoln.uwex.edu/dfc/.

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