The evening began with Prevention Specialist’s Xenia Porath and Jennifer Turner welcoming the event attendees. Councilwoman Donna Frye announced the poster contest winners:

Larry Darwent, SDPD Vice Squad presented California Zero Tolerance Laws, and Patty Driesline, Prevention Specialist spoke about the dangers of Social Availability. Some parents consider drinking to be a normal “rite of passage”for teens. Unfortunately, alcohol is one of the most common contributors to injury, death and criminal behavior among youth. By assisting, or even just accepting teen use of alcohol, parents may be opening the door to the legal, social and health consequences of underage alcohol use.

A parent, or other adult, who provides alcohol for a youth is considered a “Social Source.” In a 1996 study by A.Wagenaar 68% of the youth surveyed reported that their most common method of obtaining alcohol is through a Social Source, as opposed to the 14% who attempted to purchase alcohol from a retailer. The “Parents Who Host Lose The Most” campaign is an effort to reduce youth access to alcohol.

The message to parents is clear: it is illegal to host or allow teen drinking in your home. Being a responsible parent dose not mean providing a “safe place” for teens to drink, “taking the keys” to avoid drunk driving. These practices only prevent one of the many consequences of underage drinking. The younger you start drinking, the more likely you will face a life-long addiction to alcohol. Billions of dollars are spent each year on violent crimes (i.e. assault, rape, homicide), alcohol poisonings, drowning, and burns related to underage use of alcohol. Clearly, there is no “safe place” or circumstances for teens to use alcohol.

Parents should know that they are not alone in their responsibility to prevent underage use of alcohol. It takes all members of the community to create a healthy environment where underage drinking is not expected or encouraged. Schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, law enforcement and community role models must support parents and teens in avoiding underage use of alcohol. You can support other parents by signing the Parent Pledge to keep all events for youth in your home chaperoned and free of alcohol and other drugs. You will also support your school by returning this pledge.