By Tina Sanderson
As a parent of two teenage daughters, I want to express my gratitude to all those involved in putting on the “Every 15 Minutes” program at our local high schools. I am sure the amount of time and energy by agencies and individuals to present this important message to our local youth is staggering; the goal of the “Every 15 Minutes” program is to show to the youth the dangers and heartbreak which can be associated with drinking and driving. Neither of my daughters has participated as a student who “died” in the program, but both my daughters and their friends were affected by the presentation. Many tears are shed by the majority of the students at the thought of losing friends to drunk driving.
My letter, however, is directed at adults and at the parents of the youth of our county. Sadly, in every high school, there are students with parents who are willing to buy the booze and let teenagers party at their house under the misguided belief of “At least I know they are safe if they are drinking at my house.” They are not keeping the youth safe ? just the opposite. They are opening the floodgates of an addicting habit and the destruction to follow. These adults need to realize that they are providing the environment for young people to develop a taste for alcohol ? liking the feel of a “buzz,” and to establish a weekend habit of partying and being able to brag at school the following week about being so hung-over and how much they drank, and maybe a little boastful about their parents being OK with all of this. It perpetuates their cravings for drinking. Adults know how addicting alcohol can be, and it doesn”t take many weekend parties for kids to no longer be interested in non-drinking activities on the weekend. Sometimes, it is not parents, but another adult willing to provide alcohol for the teenagers. Don”t blame teenage drinking on the media ? no commercial ever bought or sold alcohol to a teenager.
My daughters have been active in band, sports, community clubs and extra curricular activities, and through these I have seen many of the youth in this county. There are so many amazing youth in our county with potential to excel in life. Let”s not have drinking destroy their dreams. Adults: Have the courage and strength to say “no” to buying and providing for our youth.
Tina Sanderson
Lakeport
