Teens equate booze with fun

BY BRENDA STANKIEWICZ

Raising teens in the 21st century is a challenge.  Gadgets like cell phones, computers, and MP3 players give our children greater freedom than ever.  As parents it is difficult to monitor all of their activities.  And when the police come to your door or the school calls to tell you that your child has been suspended for alcohol use, you suddenly become one of many parents shaking their heads and declaring "I didn't sign up for this part."

Teens take risks.  Some bend to peer pressure to fit in.  Others react to stress by experimenting with risky behaviours.  Still others are influenced by media to try something new and daring. Teens who use alcohol are more likely to take risks.

Our children and youth see adults using alcohol at home and in the media.  Alcohol consumption is often portrayed as a necessity in social situations.  However, many media situations show only the fun side of alcohol use and neglect to mention the increased risk for personal injury, alcohol poisoning or death.

It is illegal for youth under the age of 19 to buy alcohol.  Although some will try using false identification to make these purchases, the sellers of alcohol are very good at spotting "fake ID".

Youth often get alcohol through social suppliers.  These suppliers can be friends or acquaintances of legal drinking age who buy alcohol for underage friends.  Some parents will supply alcohol to their youth.  Others parents, by leaving alcohol readily accessible in the home, tempt their teens to try.  

As the parent of a teen, refuse to allow drinking parties in your home.  Underage alcohol use is both unhealthy and illegal.  Parents who serve alcohol to underage youth can be prosecuted under the law.  Everything associated with the violation, such as personal property, can be confiscated.

Show your teen that you care.  Arrange time to talk to your teen.  Listen, without judgment, to their concerns.  If you talk about the little things, you'll be better able to handle the "big things" when they come up. 

Know your teen and your teen's friends.  That means opening up your home and your refrigerator to new friends in your child's life.  It also means that your teen's friends are in a home where alcohol will not be served.

Raising teens today can be a challenge, but it can also be a rewarding experience.  By spending a little extra time with your teen, listening to his or her concerns, perhaps you can avoid those "I didn't sign up for this part" moments.

To learn about drug and alcohol concerns in youth in our community phone the Sudbury FOCUS Community Project at 522-9200, ext. 4330.