What Adults Can Do

What can Adults do About Teen Drinking?

Know where your children are and who they are with. If they are going to a party, make sure there will be adult supervision and no alcohol. Get caller ID on your phone and require that your children call you from their destination on the "house" phone, not a cell phone. Don't be afraid to drive by and check it out.
Connect with other parents, especially the parents of your children's friends. Know where they stand on this subject so that you will know if your child is safe in their care.
Let your children know you disapprove of drinking before the age of 21. Talk with your child about alcohol facts, reasons not to drink, and ways to avoid drinking in difficult situations. Do not share personal stories that glorify drinking.
Develop family rules about teen drinking and appropriate consequences for failure to obey them...and be sure you follow though when the rules are broken.
Your attitudes and behavior toward drinking influence your child. Set a good example.
Talk to your homeowner's association or neighbors about united strategies to deal with underage drinking parties in the neighborhood, if they should occur.
If you host a party, make sure there is only one way into the party, and monitor that entrance closely. Serve food in small bowls that need frequent replenishing so you can check on the kids. Require anyone who was not invited to leave immediately. Never allow parties at your home when there is not a responsible adult over the age of 21 there to supervise.
Seek help. If you believe your child is already involved with alcohol and you have been unsuccessful in your attempts to change the behavior, seek professional help. Johnson County has several excellent resources available, many of which are listed on this Web site.
Speak up, be heard, take action. Call the police if you witness underage drinking in your community. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW.