Parents Reminded of Social Hosting Laws During Prom, Graduation Season
Proms and graduations are quickly approaching as the District 214 school year winds down, and many families will soon host post-prom and graduation parties at their homes to celebrate these milestones in their teenagers' lives. Link Together Coalition wants to remind parents about the importance of abiding by social hosting laws, and to be responsible and aware of the implications of social hosting during what should be a joyous and memorable time.
Social hosting refers to a situation where adults or teens host parties on their property, and alcohol is provided to minors. Some parents may believe that if they provide alcohol to teens at a party, they are able to ensure no one will drink too much, or will drive home. Despite these intentions, there may be severe consequences, especially if an injury occurs.
Consequences may include fines up to $5,000 and/or jail time for adults convicted of providing alcohol to individuals under the age of 21. It is important to note that adults don't need to be in the home or on property where an event is being held, in order to be convicted of violating social hosting laws.
The Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights and Wheeling Police Departments have partnered with Link Together Coalition to develop an important social hosting public service announcement aimed at educating teens and parents about social hosting laws. Link Together Coalition provides a wide range of educational initiatives to empower and encourage Wheeling Township teens to abstain from alcohol and drug use.
"It's very important for parents to talk to their kids about the negative effects of drinking alcohol, as well as setting clear boundaries and monitoring their group of friends," said Wheeling Police Officer Brittany Vore, a School Resource Officer at Wheeling High School. "If kids are educated on the effects of drinking, they will be less likely to experiment with it."
Parents also need to hold their children responsible for their own safety, and provide consequences if they do drink; these consequences should not only be upheld through law enforcement, but in the home as well, Officer Vore added.
Though the majority of Wheeling Township parents surveyed by Link Together Coalition report that they do not host parties where alcohol is served to minors, the coalition still recommends that parents ask teens about their post-prom plans, and confirm with other parents that an adult will be home and monitoring the teenagers.
It is imperative for parents to set clear rules with teens that no parties or friends are allowed at a home when an adult is not present.
Proms and graduations are rites of passage in teens' lives; parents can help keep teens safe by keeping alcohol out of the picture and monitoring post prom and graduation activities.
Local residents can help prevent teen drinking at parties by notifying police and neighbors when they will be out of town, contacting police when they are aware of underage drinking taking place and letting law enforcement know who has permitted access to the home.
Together parents, neighbors, and the entire community can continue to stand up in support of social hosting laws.