Guest Editorial: Graduation Season – Parents who host lose the most

High school graduation is an important milestone in a teen’s life. During this time, there are many chances to attend parties and other celebrations where teens may take risks, such as experimenting with drugs or alcohol and other risky behaviors. 

At graduation time, teens may feel more pressure to celebrate by partying with illegal drugs, alcohol, or even prescription (Rx) drugs. In fact, during June and July, more than 4,500 youth start using marijuana compared to 3,000 to 4,000 youth during other months of the year. That is why it is so important to talk to young people about the risks of substance use so they will be better able to make healthy choices. Remember, silence isn’t golden – it’s permission!

Did you know that when parents give alcohol to minors it actually increases the risk for continued drinking in the teenage years (Partnership for Drug-Free Kids). Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. During the past 30 days, 12 percent of Tioga County students have used marijuana (PNA, 2017). Parents are the most powerful influence on their kids when it comes to drugs. Two-thirds of youth ages 13-17 say losing their parents’ respect is one of the main reasons they don’t smoke marijuana or use other drugs (SAMHSA).

Most teens that drink, get alcohol from parents, older friends and parties. Teen drinking leads to injuries and risky behavior. We can reduce underage drinking by decreasing underage access to alcohol. One of the goals for Tioga County Allies in Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (Tioga ASAP) is to reduce underage drinking. 

A Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA) survey given in 2017 to students in grades eight through 12 revealed eye-opening data on underage drinking in our county. It revealed that in the past 30 days, 32.7 percent of 12th graders reported drinking an alcoholic beverage. In the past two weeks, 18.1 percent of 12th graders reported binge drinking (five or more drinks in one sitting). Approximately 50.1 percent obtain alcohol from people over the age of 21, 46.3 percent of students who reported drinking say they got the alcohol from parents with their permission, and 43 percent get it from other family members. 

Regardless of the season, it is always a good time to talk with your teen about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Talk often with your child and be your child’s trusted source of information.