Think Twice Before Allowing Teens to Party
1) reduce the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs by youth;
2) increase the age at which children try illegal substances for the first time;
3) increase the perception of risk and harm with the use of illegal substances;
As a Consultant with the Flint Hills RPC, I find that an issue common to the 6 counties I serve is the challenge of convincing parents and other adults not to provide a place to party nor alcoholic beverages for underage youth. Allowing youth to drink and/or providing the alcohol are dangerous risks, for the adult as well as the youth. The social hosting law, adopted in April 2004, imposes fines to adults who knowingly allow their property to be used for parties and to those who provide the alcohol to youth.
Youth are not “little adults”, but rather have brains that are still developing into their early to mid twenties. When alcohol or other drugs are added to that process, serious and sometimes permanent consequences can occur. It also raises the question of how parents determine which law they will help their kids break. Where do they draw the line if a law setting the legal minimum drinking age at 21 is inconsequential?
While taking keys away from kids at parties may deter impaired driving, it definitely does not provide a means to avoid unplanned sex nor protection against disease or pregnancy. Not having keys doesn’t keep a kid from getting into a fight, falling, drowning, or becoming a victim to any of the other consequences associated with underage drinking.
A parent must be very aware of where their kids are going and who they’re with. Get to know your kids’ friends but, just as importantly, get to know the parents of your kids’ friends. Call ahead when your child is invited to someone’s house. Make your family’s rules about substance abuse known.
Together, we can help our youth grow into productive adults and keep our communities healthier.
Teresa Walters, Community Consultant
twalters@mhceck.org
Articles by agency staff, individuals and partners are funded by a Drug Free Community grant from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration to Communities In Schools of Marion County, Inc. If you are interested in learning more about prevention and other information pertaining to services, children, youth and families, contact Linda Ogden, Executive Director at 620-947-3184 or LOgden@cismarioincounty.org.