PARENTS WHO HOST

Starting a conversation.

A public awareness initiative that focuses on the consequences and roles that adults play in helping youth obtain alcohol. Unbelievably, some parents still turn a blind eye to underage drinking and some even help facilitate underage alcohol use. Oregon law prohibits anyone, except a parent or legal guardian to provide alcohol to a minor. Parents or guardians may legally provide alcohol to their minor child or ward and only in a private residence when accompanying their minor child. A parent cannot transfer this responsibility to another adult or provide alcohol in a public place

A variety of messages and strategies are utilized including billboards, yard signs, banners, radio and newspaper PSA’s, school-based posters, and letters to graduating seniors from elementary students.  This program helps educate adults and business on the important role they play in reducing underage drinking. Preventing underage drinking will take an all-in effort. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Talk early and often, in developmentally appropriate ways, with children and teens about your concerns-and theirs-regarding alcohol. Youth who know their parents’ opinions about underage drinking are more likely to follow their family expectations.

• Establish family rules regarding underage drinking early on, and be consistent in setting expectations and consequences.

• Work with other parents to monitor where youth are gathering and what they are doing. Being involved in the lives or our youth is central to helping keep them safe.

• Never provide alcohol to someone else’s youth.

• Rethink your own alcohol use. Is it setting the proper example?

• If alcoholism or some other form of addiction runs in your family, be sure and communicate this to your youth.  Some individuals are more predisposed to addiction and knowing that upfront might make a world of difference.

• Never drink and drive.

We would love to know what is working for you and your family and the strategies you have found helpful in preventing youth alcohol use. Please feel free to share your ideas!