Lisa GibalerioThe summer is a wonderful time of year for teenagers to gather with their friends and deepen relationships. However, it’s also when kids might start experimenting with alcohol for the first time.
I recently got this question from a concerned mom:
“It seems like many parents are ok with their teens drinking a little at home. Am I out-of-touch to think this is not a good idea?”
You’re not out of touch – letting teens “drink a little” just isn’t a good idea.
Some parents think they’re helping their children by giving them a safe space to experiment with alcohol. But research shows that the longer teens wait to engage in substance use, the better off they’ll be in the long run.
If you have a question for Lisa, send it to: asklisa@belmontvoice.org.
You should consider this: substances impact developing brains. They also affect a teen’s ability to make good decisions, and increase the likelihood of accidents and assaults. So it’s important to delay substance use for as long as possible.
There’s also the legal side for you as a parent. The Massachusetts “Social Host Liability” statutes make it illegal for anyone to serve substances (alcohol, marijuana, etc.) to those under the age of 21, or even let them consume them on your property. You could be held legally responsible if anything goes wrong with underage drinking. This applies even if you are not aware that the drinking is happening. “Not being at home” doesn’t excuse your responsibility.
So how can you prevent or reduce underage drinking?
First, talk with your kids about the impact of substance misuse. Share your concerns and listen to what they have to say. It’s also helpful to discuss substance misuse with the parents of your kids’ friends. Find out where they stand on supervision, curfews, and experimentation with substances.
I also encourage you to keep the lines of communication open, supervise your kids, and consider waiting up at curfew time.
If teens are gathering at a friend’s house, send a text to make sure there is an adult at home supervising.
For more information and resources on underage drinking prevention, visit the Belmont Wellness Coalition’s website at belmontwellness.org.
Lisa Gibalerio, MPH, is the author of the Ask Lisa column, where she answers questions from parents about how to navigate the teen and pre-teen years. Lisa oversees the Belmont Wellness Coalition, a program of Wayside Youth & Family Support Network. The advice provided in this column is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional care.
If you have a question for Lisa, send it to: askamy@belmontvoice.org.