Tips for parents on underage drinking

Corporal Glenn Hartenstein is currently assigned to patrol at Foley Police Department.  Prior to his promotion, he was a Juvenile Detective for 3 1/2 years with the Foley Police Department.   
 
The Baldwin County Community Alliance has a county wide 24 hour anonymous underage drinking tip line.

Below are tips for parents on what they should talk with their teens about underage drinking before prom.

*Alcohol is a drug, in fact the most abused drug in America and five times more teenagers die from alcohol-related causes than all illegal drugs in America.

*Binge drinking is especially dangerous to teenagers. Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. If your teenager is intoxicated, don't let him or her "sleep it off." Brain damage and even death can be the result. Seek medical attention immediately.

*Alcohol is involved in two thirds of sexual assaults and date rapes among teens.

*Tell your teens that you disapprove of underage drinking and why. Share your concerns and listen to theirs.

*Know the laws-Servicing or purchasing alcohol and/or allowing anyone under 21 to drink is illegal and dangerous.

*Do not serve alcohol at teen parties in your home. Make sure no one brings alcohol to the party. you are legally liable for any damages caused by teens who drink at your home. circulate regularly during parties, checking all rooms of the house and the yard.

*If you teen is attending a party in another home, call the parents to make sure alcohol is not allowed and that they will be home during the entire event.

*Get a schedule of events. Where will he/she be at what time. What time can you expect to hear from him/her or what time will he/she be home?

*Stress you will pick him/her up whenever or wherever if he/she wants to come home, or you will leave money for a taxi if they don't want to call you.
 
When the Limousine or party van comes:
*Speak directly with the driver and discuss your expectations for an alcohol/drug free ride.
*Inspect the Limousine, including the trunk, to make sure it is alcohol/ drug free.
*Do not permit non-alcoholic beverages in the limousine if the seal has been broken or the beverage opened.
*Tell the driver you do not want any stops made on the way to the prom.
 
After the prom;
*See your adolescent when he/she comes home.
*If your teen has obviously been drinking or using other drugs, don't let him/her go back out.
*Talk to your teen about his/her experience.
*Compliment them on good choices they made

For more information call 251-580-1847 or 251-580–1TIP or log on to www.proudtobefreebaldwin.org or www.intheknowzone.com .