Town Hall Meeting Questions and Comments
As promised at our Town Hall Meeting on March 25th, the MCYC has compiled the questions, comments and concerns regarding underage drinking that were brought up during our open discussions. This is a summary overview of some of key points that were discussed. The MCYC staff is currently working on compiling information and local resources to help answer/address these questions/concerns that were raised. Stay tuned for more information!
Discussion 1 : “I’m concerned by the increase in binge drinking”
- Specific concerns mentioned included:
- Safety issues with young people binge drinking
- Youth’s brain development
- That some teens lie to adults in their life
- What age do we start talking to teens about drinking?
- How involved are parents? Where are parents?
- Where are teens binge drinking?
Discussion 2: “I feel that underage drinking and substance abuse statistics reported are too low. More teens are doing it.”
- Teens aren’t always honest when answering surveys/questions
- Teens want to get drunk
- Drinking games are popular
- Stress is high for teens. Home life such as parents divorcing can play a role.
- Relationship with significant other can also be stressful.
- Perception of drinking to help you relax
- Alternative ways to relax: exercise, youth nights, group activities
- Stress reduction can also be included in school
- Media depiction of drinking- need to change!
- Fun facts to discourage drinking
- Fun alternatives to drinking: teen nights, dances, ice skating. These are places were there is less pressure to drink
- Increased Stop Teen Alcohol Risk Team (START) visibility
- Sad that people think drinking makes friends. They may think drinking makes them look cool but it does not
- Parents can share stories of their experiences with drinking to discourage underage use
- Have to work through personal insecurities- not mask them with alcohol
- Misconception that “everyone is doing it” when in fact many are not
- Choosing whether or not to drink can be influenced can be influenced by as few as 1 person alone
- Be proud of not drinking and drugging!
- When delivering messages to youth about underage drinking, why not give a message to reduce underage drinking instead of telling youth to abstain?
- Just say “no, thanks, maybe later.” Make an excuse that you’ll get a drink later to deflect peer pressure
- Perception that friends will get mad at you if you don’t drink but friends might be OK about you not drinking
Discussion 3: “I’m here because of my son. I want to make sure he’s hanging out, how do you know who he’s hanging with without being too obvious?”
- Get to know friends and parents and know what is happening. Support healthy activities.
- Become a friend on Facebook
- Create a “sneaky” alternative account on Facebook
- Tell your teen that if they don’t know who a person is, they shouldn’t friend them on Facebook
- Start conversations with youth at a younger age and encourage open honesty
- Is there a parent network?
- Increase opportunities for kids to be safe/supervised
- Establish family rules and values
Other questions, comments and concerns that were raised but not explored as a group. We will be posting more information to address these points shortly!
- Fearful of the potential the community loses when youth drink underage (i.e. getting in car accidents, etc.)
- Have a breakfast or projects at the schools with your kids. Perhaps after school hours?
- Parents– why aren’t we seeing what’s really happening with our kids?
- Know where your children are going and confirm with an adult. Following up is important.
- We need alternatives for our community’s youth
- If you drink to fit in, it doesn’t work. If you think you don’t fit you have to work through the feeling.
Updated on March 31, 2010