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Keeping teens alcohol-free this Prom and Graduation Season

by Joy Spencer



Prom and graduation are two of the biggest memory making events in a teenager’s life. Many parents get involved by helping pick out special clothes or extending curfew for the night. One area where parents can make the greatest impact is setting firm expectations against underage drinking.

The OLCC and Pernod Ricard, USA are launching a Public Service Announcement campaign on TV, internet and in stores to remind parents how dangerous underage drinking can be. The campaign, “Underage Drinking doesn’t start with a drink. It starts with an excuse,” focuses on things some parents may say to justify their teens’ drinking behavior.

A few excuses pointed out in the PSA include:
  • We drank when we were that young and we turned out OK. 
  • I don’t mind if he’s drinking with his friends. Just as long as they’re doing it at our house.
  • These kids are under so much pressure, I say let’s cut them a break.It’s fine if he takes a sip. 
  • My son knows the limit.

“Parents are influential on the choices teens make. The messages we send to our kids can have a life or death impact,” says Rudy Williams, Public Safety Director. “Our partnership with Pernod Ricard, USA is a valuable tool in educating parents on the vital role they play in helping teens make good decisions.”

When it comes to underage drinking, 74 percent of teens ages 13 to 17 say their parents are the number one influence on their decisions about whether they drink alcohol, according to the Roper Youth Report.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) more than 21 percent of fatalities involving alcohol and drugs in 2010 had a driver between the age of 15 and 20.

The 30-second PSA will air on KPTV, Fox 12 from April 23 through Memorial Day weekend. Window clings with a graphic from the TV spot (attached below) will be displayed in various liquor stores in Oregon as a reminder to parents when they purchase alcohol.

More information on minors and alcohol can be found on the OLCC website, and information on drinking responsibly can be found at www.AcceptResponsibility.org.

Prom & Graduation Tips for Parents
  • Set clear rules about not drinking and consequences for breaking them.
  • If you are hosting a graduation or prom after party, do NOT serve alcohol to anyone under age 21. Read about Oregon’s alcohol laws and minors.
  • Take inventory of the alcohol in your home and secure it if needed.
  • Find out who is driving. One-third of the alcohol-related traffic fatalities involving teens each year occur during prom/graduation season (NHTSA). And if a limo is rented, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle.
  • Remind your teens to ALWAYS wear their seat belts – it’s the law. 70% of teens killed on prom weekends were not wearing their seat belts (NHTSA).
  • Discuss the school's prom rules with your teen and the consequences for violating them.
  • Don’t rent hotel rooms for your teens or allow them to attend parties that do not have chaperones.
  • Talk to other parents about post-event activities to ensure alcohol won’t be present.
  • Be available to provide a timely and safe ride home if needed. Let them know that they should call you if they need a ride home or get into a situation they know isn’t safe — no matter what time it is, no matter where they are.

Comments

  1. J BaumanMay 1, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Oregon law states that "A parent or guardian may give or otherwise make alcoholic liquor available to a person under the age of 21 years only if the person is in a private residence and is accompanied by the parent or guardian." (ORS 471.410 (2)) I am over 21 and my wife will be turning 21 in July. My question is this: Am I defacto legal guardian of my wife since she is still a minor? Can I buy my alcohol for my wife to drink at home?

    ReplyDelete
  2. J BaumanMay 1, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Oregon law states that "A parent or guardian may give or otherwise make alcoholic liquor available to a person under the age of 21 years only if the person is in a private residence and is accompanied by the parent or guardian." (ORS 471.410 (2)) I am over 21 and my wife will be turning 21 in July. My question is this: Am I defacto legal guardian of my wife since she is still a minor? Can I buy my alcohol for my wife to drink at home?

    ReplyDelete
  3. ErikaMay 2, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    I have to say that I too had drunk alcohol during my prom and graduation day but I didn’t drink too much, I controlled myself. For me it is okay to drink but never let things surpass its limits. But if your teens couldn’t control themselves anymore then it is about time to get help.

    ReplyDelete
  4. OLCCMay 3, 2012 at 12:33 PM

    Great question J Bauman!
    Being married does not make you the legal guardian - you would have to be designated as such by the courts. And, as you noted only parents or legal guardians can provide alcohol to minors....

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownMay 14, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    Maybe the problem is on the clarity and scope of the law that other do not understand well. Though there are alcohol license courses available for them to be aware of it, they still mostly misunderstood it and take it for granted.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJune 9, 2012 at 2:39 PM

    Totally unrelated, but I didn't really know where else to ask. What are the laws in Oregon in relations to Concealed weapons and alcohol?

    ReplyDelete

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