Attention News Editor:

News Release                                                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                          June 26, 2006

Parents Who Host Lose The Most.

Don’t be a Party to Teenage Drinking.

Parents have the best of intentions when hosting a prom or graduation party in their child’s honour. However, it is not a wise idea to host a party where alcohol is served. Underage drinking parties are a health and safety problem with serious legal consequences.  Parents who host lose the most.  Don’t be a party to teenage drinking.

The 2002 Grey Bruce Parent Norms Survey found the majority of parents surveyed (60%) do not host teen drinking parties.  However, these parents do not always feel supported and struggle with their decision not to host teen drinking parties.  The same is true for the 40% of parents who are hosting these types of parties.  Some believed they were minimizing risk by doing so, while others agreed to host teen drinking parties even though they felt it was sending the wrong message to their teen. The Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign supports those 60% of parents in their decision not to host teen drinking parties and aims to educate the other 40% of parents who are hosting these parties.

“Parents have the opportunity and responsibility to help Grey-Bruce youth reach their full potential.   I urge all parents to join in this campaign by encouraging your neighbours and friends to provide safe, healthy, alcohol-free entertainment,” says Linda Yenssen, Public Health Nurse.  Yenssen says parents who host parties with alcohol for teens should not view it as another ‘rite of passage’ to adulthood.  “This practice sends the message to youth that underage drinking is normal and accepted.”

The Focus Project funds the Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign locally.  The awareness campaign includes local advertising and a postcard sent home in Grade 8 student report cards. The postcard provides parents with information about the laws and legal liabilities in hosting teen drinking parties.  For further information call Public Health at or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.   Select “Alcohol & Substance Abuse”, and then click on “Help for Parents.”

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For more information:

Linda Yenssen

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-881-1920, ext. 231

Kristi Waram

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-881-1920, ext. 223