This is graduation time for Anchorage high school seniors. Teens enjoy parties and socializing, especially during an event as big as graduation. Celebrating this time is appropriate and natural. Some parties serve alcoholic beverages purchased illegally by parents for teens. These parents believe teens are safe in a controlled environment. However, parents and adults providing alcohol to teens are breaking the law and sending the wrong message to teens, which can pose serious legal consequences for everyone involved.
It is illegal for parents or adults to purchase alcohol for persons under the age of 21 or to knowingly allow them to possess or consume alcohol on their property. The only exception is a parent's child. Breaking this law can result in jail, fines or loss of property.
Providing alcohol to teens sends a mixed message that can add to a teenager's confusion about the acceptability of drinking. It also sends the message that teens do not have to obey laws regarding underage drinking.
However, a teen is 70 percent less likely to develop serious alcohol problems if drinking is delayed until age 21, according to the National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey. Parents should set boundaries and establish expectations; research demonstrates teens do respond even if it is not readily apparent. When asked what affects their decisions about alcohol, 74 percent of youths report their parents. Parents beat out best friends, television, siblings, teachers and advertising. Clearly, parents can provide the biggest influence on a teen's perception about alcohol use and misuse.
Graduation is an important step in a young person's life. Teenagers deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused. Hosting a lively alcohol-free party with plenty of fun activities for everyone is one way to show teens we care about their future. As representatives for the Red Ribbon Coalition Executive Committee, we ask all parents and adults not to become a party to teen drinking. Together with you, we can make graduation for Alaska teens safe, fun and alcohol-free.
Carol Comeau is superintendent of the Anchorage School District. Audie Holloway is a colonel with the Alaska State Troopers For more information and alcohol-free party tips visit www.bgcalaska.org/redribbon.
By CAROL COMEAU and COL. AUDIE HOLLOWAY