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... But, We Take Away Their Keys! |
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Joann Gansen, Dubuque County Safe Youth Coalition Many falsely believe that the only risk to underage drinking is driving. Alcohol related traffic accidents take a toll on our youth, but the danger goes beyond driving. Teens that drink are more likely to get into fights, are either victims or perpetrators of sexual assault, or get into other accidents. In fact, a new MRI study finds that adolescents damage the white matter in their brain-which helps relay information between brain cells-when they binge on alcohol. Where are teens getting alcohol? A nationwide survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicated that 40+% of underage drinkers in the United States get their alcohol from adults over age 21 and a significant percentage from their own parents or parents of their friends. This is true for our local communities. A false sense of security is afforded to parents by requiring the participants to “stay the night”, to turn their keys in at the door and/or to secure parent permission prior to the party.“In far too many instances, parents directly enable their children’s underage drinking-in essence encouraging them to risk their health and well-being,” said Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, MD, MPH, in a news release, “Proper parental guidance may not be the complete solution to this devastating public health problem, but it is a critical part.” Remember it is illegal to provide alcohol to youth under 21 years old. Individuals who provide may be liable for both criminal charges and damages in a civil lawsuit. Providers could face a sentence of one year in jail and/or a $1,500.00 fine for providing or permitting the consumption or possession of alcohol. If an underage youth becomes injured or injures someone else and you were found to have provided or permitted alcohol consumption you could face a sentence of two years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. You could face a sentence of five years in prison and/or $7,500 fine for providing alcohol to a minor or for consumption or possession of alcohol by an underage youth who is killed or kills someone else. More than 5,000 deaths are attributed to underage drinking in the United States. Parents and guardians of children ages 12 to 20 can have a great influence on their attitudes about drinking.
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