Police Chief Lambert With Some Holiday Advice

This Thanksgiving is an exciting time in Holliston with an undefeated football team and looking forward to seeing family and friends.  But what also happens at Thanksgiving is an excess of underage drinking.  Holliston police officers report that the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving is the busiest drinking night of the year for youth.  It’s busier than New Years Eve or graduation.  And the problem is both with underage drinkers, many home from college for the first time, and with young legal drinkers in their twenties who are getting together with old high school friends and end up drinking to excess. Unfortunately, in too many cases these young people also get in a car and drive.

As parents, what can we do to keep our kids safe? 

For kids under 21, have a conversation with them about your expectations about drinking;  be clear that the law is no drinking until 21 and that you expect that they will follow it.  This is critically important for kids who are coming home from college where there may be a different level of tolerance for underage drinking. Know where they are going and be there to check in with them when they get home. And never provide alcohol to anyone under 21, it’s against the law.

For kids over 21, talk to them about responsible drinking and the dangers of drinking until you are intoxicated when poor decisions are made about everything from driving to sexual activity. Reinforce the importance of identifying a designated driver before anyone starts drinking. Be sure they understand that it is illegal to buy liquor for anyone under 21 and that they can be criminally and civilly prosecuted for doing so.

For all kids, let them know that if they encounter a problem and can’t get home safely, then you are always willing to come get them. Traffic crashes are the number one killer of teens and over one third of teen traffic deaths are alcohol related.  Establish a formal agreement with your teen and download the Contract for Life at http://www.sadd.org/contract.htm

Preventing underage drinking is everyone’s responsibility.  Be a positive role model in your own use of alcohol. Kids listen to what you say but they also are influenced strongly by how you behave.  

Studies show that talking to your kids about alcohol does make a difference in their behavior. So, have a conversation before this holiday to let your kids know your expectations, even if you have said it before. They need a reminder!

Wishing all a happy and safe Thanksgiving!