Graduation is an important milestone in young people’s lives and a cause for celebration. Parents should know, however, that hosting a party where alcohol is available to underage youth is illegal and can pose serious health risks and legal ramifications for everyone involved. New York State penalties include up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. You can be arrested for unlawfully dealing with a child and endangering the welfare of a child. Teens can also be arrested for hosting a party. Teens can lose college financial aid. Your home insurance coverage can be jeopardized or cancelled even if you are not found guilty and even if you are not charged.
Parents can protect themselves and their teens by following a few guidelines when hosting parties for their children:
- Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth during prom and graduation season.
- Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property.
- Be at home when your teenager has a party.
- Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home
- Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at youth events, and report underage drinking
The Genesee Valley Health Partnership, in collaboration with the Healthy Communities That Care coalitions of Avon, Geneseo, Livonia, Dansville, Mt. Morris, Wayland-Cohocton, and Keshequa, have launched the “Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking” public awareness campaign developed by the Drug-Free Action Alliance. The objective of the campaign is to inform parents and other adults about the legal ramifications and health and safety risks of serving alcohol, or allowing drinking by teens.
Graduation is an important step in young people’s lives. Teenagers deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused. Hosting a lively alcohol-free party with plenty of fun activities for everyone is the best way to show youth that we care about their future.
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