Parents who serve send confusing, mixed message As co-presidents of the parent teacher organization (PTO) at Horizon High School located in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, we know all too well the dangers associated with underage drinking. Every year, high schools all over the state experience tragedies that result from teenagers making poor decisions about the use of alcohol, and our school is no exception.

Because we believe that parents play a major role in educating their children about the consequences of abusing alcohol and other substances, we have been working very closely with our school’s administration to impress upon our parent community the importance of their roles as prevention advocates as well as to educate everyone about the dangers associated with underage drinking. Some of the programs offered to parents in our community have included:

• Zero, Nada, None – Under 21: a unique, pilot program launched by the Arizona SADD chapter that combines the efforts of parents, schools, students, law enforcement and retail outlets to promote a zero-tolerance approach to underage drinking.
• Parents Who Host Lose the Most: a public awareness campaign developed by the Drug-Free Action Alliance that offers parents information about the health risks and legal ramifications of providing alcohol to youth.
• The SafeHomes Program: gives parents in our community the opportunity to pledge their commitment to providing a safe social environment in their own homes by supervising social gatherings and prohibiting the use of alcohol and other drugs. In addition, parents can elect to be designated in the school’s directory as a SafeHomes Parent.

It is the goal of each of these programs to encourage parents — and the community at large — to send a unified message to our youth that underage alcohol consumption is unsafe and unacceptable. Adults who provide alcohol to underage youth send a mixed message that is confusing to teenagers and also promotes the idea that it is okay to disobey the law.

Additionally, parents need to understand that there are terrible consequences associated with underage drinking that reach far beyond the dangers of drinking and driving. Every day, at least six youths die from non-driving related causes of drinking, and sexual activity and delinquent behavior are known to increase with underage alcohol use. Finally, parents need to understand that if they knowingly provide alcohol to a teenager they can be prosecuted and face a jail sentence, fines and/or loss of property.

Research shows that most teenagers appreciate it when their parents establish boundaries for their behavior and apply fair consequences when poor choices are made. It is our responsibility as parents to provide our children with an environment that does not condone or tolerate the illegal use of alcohol.

-- Christy & Laurie, Scottsdale