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2005-2006 District Crisis Manual | School Safety and Disciplinary Policies

We are all aware that the legal age for drinking is 21.  It is also illegal to purchase beer or any other form of alcohol for someone under 21 OR to host a party, even unknowingly, where alcohol is being consumed by people under 21. (Ord. No. 42-104 s 1)

On the other hand, we also know that, regardless of the law, there are teens who will experiment with beer, wine, and liquor.  It is important for you to discuss underage drinking with your young person.  Some important talking points are:

• State clearly your belief and expectation that your child will not drink beer, wine, wine coolers, or any other form of alcohol before they are 21.
   
• Beer and other forms of alcohol are cited as the three top causes of teen deaths: accidents (including fatalities and drowning), homicide and suicide.
   
• Teens who drink are seven times more likely to engage in sex and twice as likely to have sex with four or more partners than those who do not drink.  This is often linked to unprotected sex which also increases the risk of pregnancy and AIDS and/or other sexually transmitted diseases.
   
• Stress the importance of NEVER riding in a vehicle that is being driven by someone who has consumed alcohol.

Be sure your child understands that if they ever consume any form of alcohol, they are to call you to pick them up and there will be no questions asked.  (Your paramount concern is their safety – you can save the questions and discussion till later.)

Make it very clear to your child that they are to call you at any time of day or night rather than ride with a driver who has been drinking.