Thriving Youth Darien, Police Partner On 'Sticker Shock' Campaign

Information via Thriving Youth Darien

DARIEN, CT — According to Thriving Youth Darien’s 2023 Youth Survey, 69 percent of high-school aged youth believed it would be sort of or very easy to access alcohol, and 53 percent report getting alcohol from an adult or parent with their permission.

To address these concerning findings, Thriving Youth Darien is partnering with the Darien Police Department on a “sticker shock” campaign this spring to raise awareness in the community about Connecticut’s Social Host Law, which holds parents and property owners liable for underage drinking and/or cannabis use that occurs in their homes.

A person convicted of violating this law may be fined up to $2,000 and receive up to one year in jail.

The “sticker shock” campaign launches in May to coincide with prom and graduation celebrations.

Youth representatives from Thriving Youth Darien, The Community Fund of Darien’s Youth Asset Team, and The Depot’s Students Against Destructive Decisions group and Volunteer Club will place signage and stickers with the reminder “If teens can’t buy it, don’t supply it” at participating local wine and liquor retailers.

The stickers also direct residents to more information about the social host law, along with free resources and tips for parents to talk to their kids about alcohol and other substances.

The educational campaign will continue in May and June with social media posts highlighting CT’s social host law and findings related to underage drinking from the 2023 Darien Youth Survey.

“This campaign is a reminder that underage drinking is a community problem, not just a teen problem,” noted Thriving Youth Director Sarah McCarty in a news release. “It also raises awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol on the still-developing teen brain that may have life-long impacts, including an increased risk for adult alcohol addiction and poor school performance.”

For more information on the Social Host Law and substance use resources, click here or follow @thrivingyouthdarien on Instagram or Facebook for updates on the campaign.

Thriving Youth Darien is a volunteer coalition that brings together local community organizations to promote and empower positive youth development and mental health, with the goal of reducing teen substance use. The diverse group includes mental health, substance use and healthcare professionals as well as leaders from the schools, police, town government and clergy.