Underage drinking is a big problem in communities nationwide. But the problem also remains close to home.

Stoughton is no exception to the problem, according to Caitlin Thomas-Henkel, OASIS (Organizing Against Substances in Stoughton) Coordinator. She added with so many spring-related celebrations on the forefront, it is important to make both teens and parents aware of the seriousness of underage drinking.

Although often perceived as a right of passage, underage drinking is in fact extremely dangerous, she said.

When drinking begins before age 15, youth are four times more likely to suffer alcohol dependence and twice as likely to become alcohol abusers. Underage alcohol use is associated with traffic fatalities, violence, unsafe sex, suicide, educational failure, and countless other problems.

It is also an issue that has legal consequences and is taken very seriously by police.

Every spring, as proms and graduation celebrations take place, the Stoughton Police Department adds extra patrols on the weekends. The officers have spent the added hours checking areas where alcoholic beverages are sold and served.

This year, the department will continue the tradition but with more efforts directed specifically toward underage drinking, according to Stoughton Police Executive Officer Tom Murphy.

The department is taking on the effort in conjunction with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Through the MADD Youth In Action Spring 2007 Statewide Compliance Check Campaign, Stoughton Police will be conducting alcohol compliance checks throughout town.

“MADD has reached out to the area to try to protect the youth by making sure that (businesses) are complying with the 21 or older drinking laws,” said Murphy.

Responsibility is not only on businesses in the community, but also on parents and older siblings.

“The perception is that kids are soliciting in parking lots to obtain alcohol….but the truth is that the majority of kids get alcohol from home,” said Thomas-Henkel.

On the OASIS Web site, the group offers tips on how to create safe homes for kids. A Safe Home Pledge for both kids and parents is also on the Web site.

Parents, according to Thomas-Henkel, should take steps to provide safe, alcohol and drug-free homes where their kids can socialize. If parents are going out of town, for example, they need to make sure their house is safe and that their children are not allowed or able to host parties where alcohol is served.

“There needs to be much more emphasis and education around alcohol and first use,” said Thomas-Henkel. “It is so important that we delay use and we educate kids about the importance of staying safe and making healthy choices.”

Stoughton Journal