Many well meaning parents think that it is enough to take away car keys at their teen’s parties so the teens can’t drink and drive or, in some cases, they offer to host the party themselves and provide the alcohol with the thought that they’ll be better able to “keep an eye” on things.

U Need to Know about the Legal Drinking Age

• The legal drinking age in the United States, like it or not, is 21. Underage drinking is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In Hawaii, hosting a party where alcohol is available to underage youth is illegal and poses serious health risks as well as legal consequences for everyone involved. HRS 282-101.5 states: “ No adult shall provide or purchase liquor for consumption or use by a person under twenty-one years of age.” Adults are also responsible for the conduct of youth on their property.

U Need to Know about Social Hosting:

• Parents who give alcohol to their teen’s friends under any circumstances, 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 alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and everything associated with such a violation can be confiscated, including personal property.
• Parents can be sued if they give alcohol to anyone under 21 and they in turn hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property.

As a community, we should encourage and support the enforcement of a law that protects the health, well being, and potential of our kids.

Start talking before your kids start smoking, drinking, or using drugs. Begin conversations for tobacco in the 3rd and 4th grades and earlier. Talk about alcohol in the 4th and 5th grades and marijuana in the 5th and 6th grades. Then continue these conversations though the teenage years. North Hawaii youth report their first use of alcohol at an average age of 10.67 years old.

Make sure your kids know clearly that you disapprove of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. In 2007, 50% of North Hawaii 6th to 12th grade youth surveyed report NO conversations with their parents about underage drinking in the past 12 months. 50% of those with NO conversation report that their parents think that underage drinking is “OK”.

Let your kids talk about friends they know who are making bad choices.

Talk with them even when it gets tough. Take Time to Talk & Take Time to Listen BEFORE a crisis. Use current events to create “teachable moments” when personal emotions are not involved.

Keep kids away from "R" rated movies. Kids who are allowed to watch "R" rated movies have a higher “use rate” of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs and, as a result, are more likely to engage in sexual activity. This includes movies in the theatres as well as movies at home or in the homes of friends.

Eat dinner together as a family at least 2 times a week. Even if you pick up dinner on these nights, eat away from the television and talk. Talking together has been shown to be important in keeping kids away from high risk activities.

Always confirm information regarding parties your kids will be attending. Check with parents and be sure that no alcohol or drugs will be allowed.

Kids need an "out". Provide them that boundary. Even if the only excuse they have is "My parents would kill me", they need something they can tell a friend that takes the pressure off of them. Let your kids make you the "heavy".

Let other parents know that you want to be told if or when your children become involved with tobacco, alcohol, or sexual activity.

Create a code word for your children. If they get into a situation and they need you to come and get them, have a code. No one likes to call a parent and feel like they are telling on their friends. Your child can call and say something like, "I forgot to feed the cat". This can be your cue to come and get them-no questions asked. If your child does make the good choice to leave a party, or situation, reward them by taking them and a friend to do something fun.

Parents who provide alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs are not only harming children, they are breaking the law. If you know of parties that are happening or scheduled where alcohol will be served, contact the Hawaii Island Police non-emergency number: 935-3311.

Searching your child's room is okay. Searching a room is for both of your sakes. Let your child know that you do search from time to time.

Monitor activity on the internet. Drugs can be easily purchased on the "net". Check your child's internet history.

Safeguard your Prescription Drugs. Many youth are “pharming” –i.e. removing one or two pills from each prescription in the medicine cabinet. When these are mixed with friend’s “pharming” and taken at a party, there can be serious consequences resulting in an ER visit with no idea of what has been taken.

Know your child's friends. Discourage them from hanging out with other kids who are 3 years older or more.

Seek advice from a professional. It can be hard for a parent to discern between normal behavior and a child who needs help. Ask a professional and let them advise you.

ALCOHOL FACTS:

Brain development in youth is not complete until age 21 or older. New research shows alcohol affects a developing teenage brain differently than an adult brain. The brain goes through rapid development and “wiring” changes during the ages of 12 through 21. Teen alcohol use can damage this brain wiring, which is essential to become a mature, thoughtful, responsible adult.

Impulsive and risk-taking behavior is common in teen years. The control center of the brain that considers consequences and provides control over these behaviors doesn’t develop until the early twenties.

Binge Drinking & Alcohol Poisoning

Most kids have not yet developed the “cut-off” switch that makes them go to sleep or pass out from too much drinking. They can consume dangerous amounts of alcohol before they realize it’s too late. This can result in alcohol poisoning, which can cause difficulty breathing, unconsciousness and death. Binge drinking can and does kill — killing as many young people as all other drugs combined. If a young person ever passes out from drinking, 911 should be called for immediate medical attention. (www.oas.samhsa.gov/underage.cfm)

Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the United States. It is inexpensive, easy to obtain, socially acceptable and alcohol’s potential for addiction and abuse are largely underestimated.

“Underage Drinking & Teen Brain”