FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (EASTON, MD – April 29, 2010)
Prom & Graduation Tips
The attached letter was sent this week to parents of Talbot County Public High School juniors and seniors from Talbot Partnership and the Talbot County Health Department Prevention Office.
A report released this week by The Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR) in College Park Maryland confirmed that students may be more likely to drink and drive on prom and graduation nights, according to a survey of 11th and 12th grade students across the country. Nearly all of the students surveyed (90%) said that their peers are more likely to drink and drive on prom night and 79% report the same for graduation night. Despite this belief, students do not seem to think that driving on these nights is dangerous. Less than one-third (29%) reported that they believe that driving on prom night comes with a high degree of danger, and 25% said the same for graduation night.
We would hope that this letter could be shared with the community in an effort to ensure a safe and healthy prom and graduation season.
April 20, 2010
Dear Parents,
It's prom and graduation time - a time for celebration that is too often marred by the frequently fatal consequences of illegal underage drinking. One bad decision can result in tragedy for not only the young person, but for his or her family, friends, and our entire community.
65% of teens obtain the alcohol they drink from their parents, friends' parents, siblings, or older friends, with or without permission. The good news is that among 10-18 year olds, 65% cite their parents as the leading influence for them not to drink. Today we are asking for your help in making prom and graduation nights safe for teens by following these tips:
- Do not serve or allow alcohol at any party you are hosting.
- Know where your teenager is attending a party; verify there will be parental supervision, and that it will be alcohol-free.
- Make it clear to your children that you do NOT approve of them drinking alcohol. Educate them on the risks associated with underage drinking and its proven harmful effects on the brain.
- Students who wait until their early twenties to drink are 84% less likely to develop an addiction than those who start earlier.
- The legal drinking age is 21.
- A minor who consumes alcohol is violating the law and risking his/her life, as well as the lives of others.
- An adult who provides alcohol to a minor is breaking the law and risking that child's life.
- Make sure your teen has a plan for the night and that you know what it is.
- Do not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers.
- Know who is driving - if it's a limo, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle.
Please help protect your child's bright future by providing a safe, alcohol-free season of celebrations for your son or daughter.
