Parents play a role in teen drug and alcohol use
Kerry Metzger is the Tuscarawas County Anti-Drug Coalition chairman.
Local agencies and community members are working together to remind parents of the major role they play in their children’s choices about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
The Tuscarawas County Anti-Drug Coalition is partnering with Prevention Action Alliance, local school districts, businesses and community members to help place banners and signs designed to bring more awareness to this initiative.
In a National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University survey to parents and teens, one-third of teen partygoers reported they have been to parties where teens were drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, or using cocaine, ecstasy or prescription drugs while a parent was present. By age 17, statistics show nearly half of teens have been at substance-fueled parties where parents were present.
“This county-wide awareness initiative is designed to reinforce to our communities that underage drinking is unsafe, unhealthy and unacceptable,” ADC coordinator Jodi Salvo said.
Parents should not provide alcohol to their teens’ friends under the age of 21 under any circumstance, even in their own home, even with their parents’ permission. They also should not allow a person under 21, other than their own child, to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcohol. There are legal consequences for doing so. Based on Ohio law, they can face up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine and loss of property.
Tuscarawas County residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for posters and signs throughout their neighborhoods. An upcoming ADC podcast also will soon be released, discussing this awareness campaign in more detail. ADC podcasts can be accessed by visiting www.adctusc.org.
For more information on local prevention efforts and resources, visit www.adctusc.org.