Sandusky County Prevention Partnership and Drug-Free Action Alliance are teaming up to spread the word; Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking. 

Parents play a major role in their child’s decision to drink or not drink alcohol underage. In a 2008, Drug-Free Action Alliance survey, parents and high school youths were asked how alcohol factors in to the teen party scene. Parents and teens agreed that getting a hold of alcohol is no problem. Beyond that, 23 percent of teens said they had attended a party where alcohol was served (within the past two months), while only 12 percent of parents claimed to be aware of this fact.

A national survey reveals that by age 17, nearly half of these teens have been to a party where both alcohol and parents are present (CASA, 2006).

The message to parents hosting underage drinking parties is this:

• It is illegal, and by breaking this law, you can face up to six months in prison or a $1,000 fine. Others can sue you if you allow anyone under 21 to consume alcohol and they, in turn, hurt someone or damage property. Additionally, officers can confiscate any alcohol, money or property used in committing the offense.

• There are also many health-related consequences of youth consuming alcohol, including negative effects on brain development, increased sexual activity, deviant behavior including stealing and skipping school and a greater risk of becoming alcohol-dependant later in life.   

Join the Prevention Partnership and Drug-Free Action Alliance in spreading the word; Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking. It is unhealthy, unsafe and unacceptable.

The Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking campaign is a program of Drug-Free Action Alliance with funding from the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services. For more information, visit www.sanduskycohd.org.

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