Help provide alcohol-free setting

To the editor:
What does summertime mean for our youth today?
Attending concerts, amusement parks, family vacations, river floats, horseback riding, four-wheeling or just spending time with friends.
Unfortunately, this also includes alcohol consumption
Did you know that in 2013, 83.5 percent of those who first tried alcohol were under the age of 21? Did you know that alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among youth in America?
Fifty-two percent of youth today reported their last drinks were in someone else’s home and 81 percent reported to drinking with friends. The consumption of alcohol can cause young people to make poor decisions that could affect the rest of their lives. Youth who consume alcohol are more likely to carry out or be the victim of physical or sexual assault.
Approximately 4,300 youth under the age of 21 die each year from alcohol-related car crashes, homicides or alcohol poisoning and other injuries. All of the above are present even when parents or other adults are supervising underage drinking.
Prevention is the best method. Do not provide alcohol to minors. It is illegal and you can be charged with a crime. Recognize the warning signs: academic and behavioral problems, changing of friends, less interest in activities or appearance. You need to know the parents of your child’s friends.
Let’s bond together and be the parent or group of parents who host alcohol-free events or activities and create a place where our youth can spend time without the pressures of consuming alcohol.
Gary Hendershot
Jay County Drug Free Coalition