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Keeping alcohol from your teens

To the editor:
Here are some sobering facts:
ï Alcohol abuse and alcoholism costs our society about $167 billion each year.
ï On weekend mornings from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., one in seven drivers is intoxicated.
ï Every year, drug and alcohol-related abuse kills approximately 35,500 Americans.
ï Every 32 minutes someone is killed in an alcohol-related accident.
The staff of the Youth Service Bureau (YSB) wants families to know that there are ways to prevent young people from becoming part of these statistics. Here are a few ways you as an adult can prevent your son or daughter from drinking alcohol:
ï Never buy alcohol for your teen or anyone under the age of 21.
ï Be aware of the parties your teen is attending. If alcohol is going to be present, do not allow them to go. Always call the parent to find out whether there will be adult supervision.
ï Set family rules prohibiting underage drinking and make sure that you have set consequences if it does occur.
ï Listen to your teenís questions and concerns about alcohol. All young people wonder what it is about, let them be aware of the negative consequences alcohol can have.
ï If you become aware of an establishment where underage children are being served alcohol, immediately call your local law enforcement agency.
Youth referred to the YSB for alcohol-related offenses participate in a chemical awareness educational class. Through the use of speakers and videos, youth learn how alcohol can affect them, their family and friends and the community as a whole. During the class, exercises are used to show how alcohol can delay reaction times and impair judgement.
Please remember that the earlier your child begins drinking, the more serious his or drinking problems are in life. Source-National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
The YSB wants families to be aware of the seriousness of alcohol use and abuse, especially with teens and asks that you openly discuss with your children the effects of drinking.
If you need help doing this or have questions, please feel free to contact me or another member of the Restorative Justice team at YSB at (651) 464-3685.
Ann Twait
Restorative Justice
Counselor

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