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Parents Of Graduates Take A Stand On Under Aged Drinking

Helena Parents Send Message By Signing Commitment To Social Host Ordinance

Helena, MT – June 2nd, 2011- With graduation comes celebration and parties, and 91 parents of graduating seniors in the Helena School District have made a commitment to support their teens by refusing to serve or allow minors to drink alcohol at these celebration parties.  The “Parents Who Host Lose The Most” is a campaign Youth Connections in partnership with Safe Schools Healthy Students initiative sponsors to heighten awareness around parental attitudes about alcohol impacting the possibility of youth drinking this time of year.  In addition, the campaign aims to honor parents who commit to sending clear messages and expectations about alcohol by celebrating graduation parties for their seniors alcohol free.

Youth Connections Director Drenda Carlson says, “Several years ago, we came to the realization there were parents throwing parties for their graduating seniors and either providing alcohol or allowing them to drink.  Part of the work we do is focused on changing attitudes. This campaign encourages our community to consider underage drinking to be illegal, unsafe and unhealthy and share that message clearly and consistently with teens.”

The Youth Connections/Safe Schools Health Students initiative sent letters to the parents of graduating seniors in the district, and received 91 signed commitment letters from parents who chose to publically take a stance against underage drinking.

In addition, it is vital for parents to understand the Social Host Ordinance, passed by the Helena City Commission in 2008, holds adults criminally accountable for knowingly allowing minors to drink on their property.  The Helena Police Department is in full support of the ordinance and will follow up on any tips of parents who are hosting parties with alcohol.

Please call the Youth Connections office at 324-1078 to set up an interview opportunity.