Parents can make season safer for high-schoolers

It's prom and graduation season-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 the young person, as well as his or her family, friends and our entire community.

The Fairfax County School Board and the Board of Supervisors have proclaimed May as "Parents Who Host, Lose the Most Month." This is in support of a countywide initiative that aims to reduce underage drinking.

Approximately 65 percent 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 to 18-year-olds, 65 percent cite their parents as the leading influence for them not to drink. Today, we ask everyone in the community to help make prom and graduation night safe for teens by following these tips:
• Do not serve or allow alcohol at any party you are hosting; an adult who provides alcohol to a minor is breaking the law and risking that teen's life. The legal drinking age is 21.
• For parents and guardians: Know where your teenager is attending a party; verify there will be parental supervision, and that it will be alcohol-free. Make it clear that you do NOT approve of them drinking alcohol. Make sure you keep up with your teen's plan for prom and/or graduation night, as they continuously change.
• Educate yourself on the risks associated with underage drinking and its proven harmful effects on the still-developing brain. The brain is maturing until the mid-20s; students who wait until age 21 to drink are 84 percent less likely to develop an addiction than those who start earlier.
• Encourage our seniors to attend their high school All Night Graduation Celebration by supporting it through donations or your volunteer time that night. Call your local high school for the contact person.

Please help protect our young adults' bright futures by providing a safe, alcohol-free season of celebrations in our community.

• Iris Warren, Chair
Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County Public Schools
• Sara Freund, Chair
Fairfax Countywide Initiative to Reduce Underage Drinking