Underage drinking is a serious concern for parents. The Internet has allowed teens to easily obtain false identifications which permits them to be served alcohol.
The recent headlines of Nicole John, 17 year-old daughter of US ambassador to Thailand has sparked the discussion of underage drinking among teens. Although Nicole John was labeled a party girl by some sources, it doesn't take away the fact that a young life has tragically ended involving illegally drinking. (Watch video below).
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD, formerly Students Against Drunk Driving) has a mission to provide students with the best prevention tools possible to deal with the issues of underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving and other destructive decisions.
In St. Augustine last spring we witnessed the trial of Diane Katz Santarelli who was accused of serving minors alcohol resulting in a deadly car accident killing two teenagers. She was acquitted on the manslaughter charges however she was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for hosting a party with minors, and contributing to the delinquency of a child, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Now that school has opened in Florida, isn't it time to encourage your teens to start a SADD chapter? Today's peer pressure can be overwhelming, the desire to fit in and the power of persuasion among teens is strong. Visit www.sadd.org for more information.
Get your teens started today, communication is the key to prevention.
Related articles:
Supervised Underage Drinking
Too Smart to Start
The Cool Spot - Educating Your Pre-Teens and Teens
Above the Influence
Buzzed Driving Kills the Same as Drunk Driving
Comments
It seems as time passes on and technology advances, young adults are finding it easier to obtain fake I.D.s or able to find the 21 year old who will purchase them liquor. When I was in high school, I almost killed my best friend drinking and driving. To this day, I have a hard time turning left. None of my so called friends cared I was drunk and got behind the wheel. As parents it is important to pay close attention to what our children are doing. It is difficult now and will become more difficult as technology advances.
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