2008 Woodie Awards
Help teenagers celebrate graduation without alcohol
Issue date: 5/25/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
(ARA) - For teens, summer months bring high-school graduation parties and extended curfews. This time of year also means that teens have more free time and could face added pressure to drink alcohol. It's important for parents to exercise parenting influence and keep their teens away from alcohol.
Underage drinking studies consistently show that 69 percent of teens ages 13 to 17 say their parents -not their peers - are the No. 1 influence on their decisions about drinking.
Lonnie Carton, director of Teen and Family Resources for the Web-based "Warm2Kids" program and an advisory panel member of the "Family Talk About Drinking" program, advises parents on how to use their influence as teens celebrate graduation and enjoy the relaxed days ahead.
"It's important for parents to create an atmosphere of open communication with their teens, especially during the summer months when they have more free time," Carton said. "Along with setting firm rules and guidelines, parents can teach teens to make responsible choices - including not drinking." Carton advises parents to let teens know that rules are made to protect not punish them. He also reminds parents not to bend the rules and host a party with alcohol, regardless of occasion. "Providing alcohol to minors is not only irresponsible, it's illegal," added Carton.
For more tips about safe celebrating, visit www.preventdontprovide.com and www.myspace.com/positiveparenting. For "Family Talk About Drinking" program materials visit www.familytalkonline.com or call (800) 359-TALK (800-359-8255).
Underage drinking studies consistently show that 69 percent of teens ages 13 to 17 say their parents -not their peers - are the No. 1 influence on their decisions about drinking.
Lonnie Carton, director of Teen and Family Resources for the Web-based "Warm2Kids" program and an advisory panel member of the "Family Talk About Drinking" program, advises parents on how to use their influence as teens celebrate graduation and enjoy the relaxed days ahead.
"It's important for parents to create an atmosphere of open communication with their teens, especially during the summer months when they have more free time," Carton said. "Along with setting firm rules and guidelines, parents can teach teens to make responsible choices - including not drinking." Carton advises parents to let teens know that rules are made to protect not punish them. He also reminds parents not to bend the rules and host a party with alcohol, regardless of occasion. "Providing alcohol to minors is not only irresponsible, it's illegal," added Carton.
For more tips about safe celebrating, visit www.preventdontprovide.com and www.myspace.com/positiveparenting. For "Family Talk About Drinking" program materials visit www.familytalkonline.com or call (800) 359-TALK (800-359-8255).
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