School is out but they’re still listening—celebrate graduation safely!

Graduation is a time to celebrate. However, graduation time can also bring pressures for underage drinking.

Alcohol is one of the most common drugs in our society and used more commonly by young people than any other drug. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, "Approximately one in four children younger than 18 years old in the United States are exposed to alcohol." Further, current alcohol use among high school students is greater than 40 percent with 26 percent of students reporting episodic heavy or binge drinking. 

Before your graduates party, take the time to talk with them about alcohol—it just may save a life. Communicate your expectations and the consequences. 

What Teens Can Do to Help Keep Graduation Celebrations Safe

• Never drink and drive, or get into a car with someone who has been drinking. Remember that driving "buzzed" is the same thing as driving drunk.
• If you see that a friend has been drinking, make sure they don't drive and find a safe way for them to get home.
• If your parent or guardian tries to talk to you about the dangers of underage drinking and drunk driving, listen to them. They just want you to be safe.
• Stay with a group of friends throughout the night. Watch out for each other.
• Don't leave possessions or any of your beverages/food unattended.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• New drivers: Get caught with alcohol & your license will be suspended. For more details visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles website.

What Parents Can Do to Help Keep Graduation Celebrations Safe

• Set clear rules in advance for the night of the party. Discuss the rules and consequences of breaking them with teens before the night begins and reinforce them.
• Offer non-alcoholic beverages and do not serve alcohol. Some parents feel that it is inevitable that teens will drink on prom night and believe that this is better done under adult supervision. It is illegal. If something happens to any teen and alcohol is involved you will be held responsible.
• Invite other parents to chaperone with you.
• Make it clear that you will not allow any uninvited guests to crash the party. Parties can get out of control if the number of guests continues to grow through the night. Unless the guest is invited they should not be welcome.
• Be prepared if your rules are broken. If an invited guest arrives to the party already drunk or if the guests become unruly you need to be prepared to call parents to come and pick them up. Communicate these rules with other parents ahead of time so they understand the consequence if their son/daughter becomes a problem.

Sources: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Health Alliance on Alcohol

Drinking and driving is a serious problem all year long. The San Rafael Police Department, the San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team, and other Marin law enforcement agencies & community coalitions are dedicated to a variety of activities aimed at reducing the number of DUI related tragedies. Be sure to check out these links for more information and resources to stay safe and informed:

The Healthy Novato Project
The Mill Valley Healthy Living Community Coalition
The Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth
The Ross Valley Coalition
The San Rafael Alcohol and Drug Coalition
The San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team
The Twin Cities Coalition for Healthy Youth
The Youth Leadership Institute
The West Marin Community Coalition

Learn more about the San Rafael Social Host Ordinance
English - http://www.scribd.com/doc/180037937/FINAL-ACT-palm-card-pdf
Spanish - http://www.scribd.com/doc/189075792/ACT-Palm-Card-en-Espanol-in-Spanish

You can learn more about what we are doing and how you can get involved by contacting Kristen Law at the Marin County Prevention Hub.

The San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team (ACT) has been created through a partnership with the San Rafael Police Department and the Marin County Department of Health & Human Services to reduce underage and excessive drinking in youth ages 12 – 25.