Jenna looked so excited before heading off to graduation. While she knew it would be bittersweet, she was looking forward to seeing her friends especially Ben, one of her closest friends throughout her school years. Ben’s parents had agreed to throw a big bash after graduation. Everyone seemed to be going! After all, this had been such an isolating year with remote learning and a recently modified school and sports calendar. So, what is the harm in letting off a little “pent-up” energy from the pandemic?!!! Ben’s parents were super cool, way cooler than many of the other parents. Sure, there would be alcohol, but at least they would be safe at Ben’s with his parents around.
After graduation and the obligatory photo ops with family and friends, everyone flooded to the party. Ben’s parents held the belief that teens were going to be teens and if they were going to drink after graduation at least let them be safe in their home. As his parents greeted the guests at the door, they had the teens drop their keys into a bucket. They were being responsible parents because no one was going to leave a party they hosted and drive; especially if he/she had been drinking.
Does this sound familiar: “If my teen has friends over and I collect the keys, isn’t it safer to let them drink in my home than to risk being out there on the road?” Is it really a good idea to host a party where there is alcohol?
Being a social host and condoning the use of alcohol with minors is just not a good idea. Here is why:
- In Maine, it is illegal to knowingly allow a person under 21, other than your own child, to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol.
- Underage drinking is a serious public health problem. Giving teens alcohol increases their risk of addiction, injury, and death. It can interact unexpectedly with their medicine, harm their brain’s development, and can lead to drinking and driving or other injuries.
- You can be ARRESTED for furnishing alcohol to a minor or allowing a minor other than your own child to drink in your home or camp. Both crimes carry penalties of up to 1 year in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
- If someone is injured or killed because of the alcohol you supplied, you could be charged with a FELONY.
- You can be SUED. If you allow minors to consume alcohol in your home or camp, your homeowner’s insurance policy may not provide adequate protection when serious injury occurs. You could be HELD RESPONSIBLE if injury occurs on or away from your premises (EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT HOME). You can PREVENT TRAGEDIES by stopping teenage drinking.
- Are your ASSETS (home, car, toys, life, and retirement savings), your FREEDOM and your REPUTATION worth the RISK?
Things you can do as a parent:
- Refuse to supply alcohol to anyone under 21.
- Be at home when your teen has a party. Closely monitor the party.
- Make sure that alcohol is not brought into your home or property by your teen’s friends.
- Be a good role model for your teens and their friends.
- Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at other events your child will be attending.
- Talk with your child about alcohol and express that you don’t want them to drink. Parents are the number one influence in their children’s lives.
- Create alcohol-free opportunities and activities in your home so teens feel welcome.
- Stay up if your teen is out and wait for them to get home. They’re less likely to drink or use drugs if they know a parent will be up when they get home.
- Report underage drinking to your local law enforcement.
Be responsible. Be Proud. Promote healthy and safe lifestyles for Jenna, Ben, and their friends this graduation and summer season!
For more “Social Hosting” information and ideas for safe celebrations, contact: Westbrook Partners for Prevention via email – partnersforprevention@westbrookschools.org.
