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Published May 09, 2008 04:59 pm - While some may consider underage drinking a rite of passage — it’s one that comes with a heartbreaking toll.
In our view: Time to make a decision
While some may consider underage drinking a rite of passage — it’s one that comes with a heartbreaking toll.
A national “Call to Action” issued last year by the U.S. surgeon general termed underage drinking “a major societal problem” that requires all segments of a community to solve.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,460 youths between the ages of 15 and 20 were killed in vehicle accidents in 2005. More than 28 percent of those drivers were drinking.
That same surgeon general’s report, as well as local law enforcement and victims’ families say underage drinkers get alcohol from older family members, friends and acquaintances.
We can all agree that we do not want anything bad to happen to our children if and when they drink.
We can all agree that it will take a collective effort — kids, parents, adults, law enforcement and schools — to avert the tragedies that occur all too frequently as a result of poor decisions.
But when it comes time to assume collective responsibility, not everyone steps forward.
Case in point: The empty chairs that far outnumbered participants at a recent community forum held to address underage drinking.
Today and Monday, the Globe examines the ambivalence in prevailing cultural attitudes about underage drinking and other risky activities.
A part of the problem is that underage drinking has become acceptable in our society. Some parents acknowledge that they know their teens drink. They walk a fine line in trying to raise their teens.
But, it’s time for our community to make a decision.
Are we going to continue to watch our children die. Or, are we willing to say enough is enough and get involved.
We would ask you to get actively involved. Don’t look the other way when you know a teen is drinking and is underage. And, don’t tolerate others who do.
This isn’t about bad kids and good kids.
It’s about helping them make decisions that could save their lives.
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