May 3, 2006

Parents can help keep graduation parties safe

The senior year for most high school students is filled with all kinds of celebrations. Families and communities need to work together to make sure graduates and all students stay safe.

The drug of choice for many of these celebrations is alcohol. There is a whole range of attitudes that can put seniors into risky situations. Let's look at some of them.

There is the parent who chooses to provide alcohol for an at-home party, thinking it's a safe option. In reality, there are numerous reasons not to do this. Alcohol use is illegal for those under age 21. Parents who provide it are setting a poor example. Plus, the financial consequences can be huge.

In Minnesota, providing alcohol to minors is a gross misdemeanor that could lead to a $3,000 fine and/or up to a year in prison. Civil suits could cost a parent much more.

Even more importantly are the social considerations. Alcohol use at a young age can lead to youth making poor choices, and decisions that impact their lives for years to come. Alcohol impairs judgment and causes young people to do things they wouldn't ordinarily do. Even though parents think teens can stay in control, there is always the danger the party will get out of hand.

Parents need to communicate a clear, no-use message about alcohol as well as other drugs. As they attend end-of-the-year parties, students should be reminded to never ride with someone who has been drinking or using drugs.

Parents will also want to consider whether to leave their teen at home unsupervised. They might want to re-think plans for being away. There are other options. Have a neighbor, family friend or relative check, but make sure you have informed your teen this is happening. Or, have your teen stay with a friend or relative you trust.

In addition, parents can help their teens plan an alcohol-free party for their peers. Work with your teen to help him or her think through who is invited, the refreshments served, what activities -- such as dancing or videos -- will be going on, and your plans for chaperoning. Parents need to be home and to make their presence known, but should do so discreetly. Parents might want to ask other parents to help chaperone for bigger groups.

Parents need to work with their teen as they plan an alcohol-free party to celebrate the high school graduation. Some parents say "No one can tell me how to plan my teen's graduation celebration," or "I had beer at my graduation and nothing happened." Having alcohol at a graduation event implies that alcohol is necessary for a good time. It also sets a bad example and can lead to the aforementioned social and financial consequences.

Communities often support safe, alcohol free events along with graduation. Even if you don't have a senior, do what you can to support those events in your community.

(Colleen Gengler is a family relations specialist with the University of Minnesota Extension Service Regional Center, Worthington)

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URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2005/partysafe.html  This page was updated May 3, 2006 .
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