It’s good to see that our law enforcement officers are following through on underage drinking. The recent article about teenagers drinking at a camp in Canton (Apri 3) is an example of how well-meaning adults can better refine their thinking.

Adults often think it’s better for kids to drink “safely” at home than to be on the road. Parents who allow underage drinking on their property, or who supply the alcohol consumed or possessed by minors, may be in violation of two laws: furnishing alcohol to a minor and allowing underage drinking to occur on property they control.

Young people who are intoxicated on alcohol are more likely to use other drugs, are less likely to protect themselves from pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, or drive or ride with an intoxicated individual. Date rape occurs most often when young people are intoxicated.

Young people’s brains are still developing, and the risk of developing an alcohol disorder is greater the younger the child is when he or she begins to drink. Children who start drinking younger than 14 are more likely to develop alcohol problems than people who begin drinking as adults.

Parents need to take steps to prevent their children from drinking. Find out where they are going and who they are with. Wait up for them and check their breath. If children are convinced their parents disapprove strongly of underage drinking, they will be less apt to partake.

Send a clear message: no underage drinking.

Patricia Duguay, Byron

Director, River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition

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