TIPS FOR PARENTS
As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your teen’s friends under the age of 21 under any circumstances, even in your own home, even with their parent’s permission. You cannot knowingly allow a person under 21, other than your own child, to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol.
If you break the law:You can face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.Others can sue you if you give alcohol to anyone under 21, and they, in turn, hurt someone, hurt themselves or damage property. Officers can take any alcohol, money or property used in committing the offense.
Things you can do as a parent:
- Refuse to supply alcohol to children.
- Be at home when your teen has a party.
- Make sure that alcohol is not brought into your home or property by your teen’s friends.
- Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at other events your child will be attending.
- Create alcohol-free opportunities and activities in your home so teens will feel welcome.
- Report underage drinking by calling the anonymous,
- Toll-free Hotline at 1-877-4-Minors.
Additional Tips: Teach your child that abstinence from alcohol is an acceptable lifelong decision and that they have a right to stand up for a safe academic environment. Teach your child that drinking can be risky and to intervene when they see that their classmates are in trouble.
If your child is of legal age to drink (21 in all states), explain to them how to use alcohol moderately (no more than two drinks per day for men, no more than one for women) and appropriately (as a complement to a meal and at social gatherings or during family celebrations).
If you drink, be sure to set an ongoing healthy example regarding adult alcohol use and never brag about your use of alcohol or other drugs during your own college years. When helping your children to select an appropriate college, be willing to question officials about campus alcohol policies.