ALASKA RED RIBBON

October 23-31, 2007

Alaska Red Ribbon Coalition Mission:

Reduce substance abuse among Anchorage’s young citizens by strengthening and celebrating community-wide protective factors.

Alaska Red Ribbon Coalition Vision:

Anchorage youth will attain sound mental and physical health by rejecting alcohol and illicit drug use, mentoring their peers to resist illegal use, and leading active and productive lives. Furthermore, Anchorage residents will embrace and sustain community-wide developmental assets including researched-based substance abuse prevention and peer mentoring programs.

News

May 6, 2008

Teens love to party¡Xespecially during graduation season. Graduation is an important milestone in a young person¡¦s life and cause for celebration. The Red Ribbon Coalition wants parents and adults to know that providing alcohol to teens can be costly for everyone. It is illegal, unsafe, and unhealthy for anyone underage to drink alcohol.

A majority of parents and teens said in a recent survey that it is generally easy for teens to get alcohol and many times parents are hosting parties where alcohol is available. During the same survey, it was found that parents underestimate teen drinking in general and their own children in particular.

Research has found that:

• 26% of teens indicate they have attended a party that served alcohol, while only 18% of parents thought their children attended a party that served alcohol
• 31% of parents and 40% of teens know of parents who host teen alcohol parties
• Each day 7,000 people under 16 take their first drink of alcohol
• A teen is 70% less likely to develop serious alcohol problems if drinking is delayed until age 21

Here are the facts:

• Parents who give alcohol to their teen¡¦s friends under any circumstance, even in their own homes, are breaking the law
• Parents who knowingly allow a person under 21 to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcohol can be prosecuted
• Parents can be sued if they give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they in turn hurt someone, hurt themselves, or damage property

Underage use of alcohol is a serious problem that too often leads to harmful consequences for youth and their families. Parents can protect their family by following these guidelines when hosting teen parties:

• Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during graduation
• Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property
• Be at home when your teen has a party
• Make sure your teen¡¦s friends do not bring alcohol into your home
• Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at teen events
• Report underage drinking

Together, we can all make 2008 a safe, fun, and healthy experience for teens.

Download more parent tips for safe parties