Think Twice Before Hosting Teen Parties With Alcohol

Tuesday, March 1, 2005

De ea? & 7 Oea fieer aT ‘a a) Dal = wsbay ~ i SIAL MyLEER EIN 13 Parents: Think Twice Before Hosting Teen Parties With Alcohol (NAPSA)—Some parents may believe it’s a good idea to host a party and let their teens and teens’ friends drink at home—but these parents might benefit from more facts about the legal issues surrounding underage drinking. According to a new survey, conducted by Kelton Research and commissioned by Miller Brewing Company, 88 percent of parents say they don’t know everything they need to know about the legal consequences of underage drinking for their teens. “Parents need to familiarize themselves with their role and the potential liabilities involved,” said Chuck Canterbury, president of the National Fraternal Order of Police. “Sadly, some parents and older adults still believe underage drinking of alcoholis a rite of passage or is okay as long as the car keys are taken away. Thesebeliefs send kids mixed and dangerous messages.” The survey explored the issue of underage drinking for parents and teens. “We wanted to know what was missing from prevention education,” said Diane Wagner, Miller Brewing Responsibility Initiatives manager. “This survey gives us insightsto create programsthat directly andeffectively reach parents.” The survey reveals that 55 percent of parents believe their kids “definitely don’t drink,” although research says at least 64 percent of tenth graders havetried alcohol. 64percent ofparents drank underage. 62 percent of parents believe underage drinking is more of a problem for today's teens than when they were teenagers. e 75 percent of parents would not change the drinking age if given a choice. e 25 percent of parents believe there are appropriate times for teens to drink. 21 percent ofparents allow their teens to go to parties without adult supervision. Parents should learn more about the legal issues involved in letting teens drink at home. “Studies show most minors get alcohol from noncommercial sources. Parents need to be aware and honest with themselves about what is happening in their own homes—what alcohol is in the house and what 21-year-old siblings on college break may beproviding to younger friends andsiblings,” said Kari Kinnard, state executive director, Wisconsin Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Miller’s Respect 21 program is designed to help prevent underage access and promote responsible decision-making with parents and teens. Specifically, Let’s Talk and Let’s Keep Talking help parents open a dialogue about alcohol with younger children and then continue that conversation with their teens. For more information, visit www.MillerBrewing.com.