Think it’s a good idea to be the one who hosts a party with teenagers and drinking so you can know what’s going on?
If that’s you, you might want to plan to attend a town hall meeting that will take place Sept. 22, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Central High School, 24617 75th St. (Highway 50), Paddock Lake.
The Town Hall Meeting will educate parents, teachers, officials, youth, and other community members about the impact underage drinking has on the community. Panelists representing law enforcement, health care, insurance, and other community stakeholders will be presenting information and will be available for questions and public comment. Together, they will discuss possible ways to address the issue.
According to the latest Kenosha County Schools Search Institute Survey Report, among eighth graders, 22 percent reported being drunk at least once in the past month; 29 percent of ninth graders, and 37 percent of 11th graders reported being drunk at least once in the last month.
Research indicates that families exert a great deal of influence on whether a child uses alcohol later in life.
“What parents may not realize is that children say that their parents’ disapproval of underage drinking is a key reason they have chosen not to drink,” †said Steve Fredriksson, SPF process director for the Stand Tall Against Alcohol project of the Concerned Citizens Coalition.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the US Department of Health and Human Services reports children and teens are less likely to abuse alcohol if parents are involved in their children’s lives, make and enforce clear rules, and are positive role models.
