Be mindful of underage alcohol use

With prom and graduation season in full swing, the Sauk County Partnership for Prevention is encouraging adults to watch out for those who imbibe underage.

According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted at area high schools in 2019, 43 percent of Sauk County high school students said they currently consume alcohol while 74 percent said they have at least tried it. This is significantly higher than the state averages of 30 and 59 percent, respectively, according to Ethan Borchardt, coalition coordinator and health educator for the Sauk County Health Department.

“Alcohol is still the most commonly used and easily available substance among youth in Sauk County as well as nationwide,” he said in a statement.

It’s critical that youths do not consume alcohol because the brain keeps developing until about age 25.

“Research shows that the earlier youth drink, the more likely they are to have problems with alcohol as adults, and the more damage can be done to key parts of their brains responsible for memory, learning and mental health,” Borchardt said.

The Partnership encourages parents to keep alcohol locked up and monitor the quantities. The coalition has free locks available to help in this endeavor.

Adults can make a difference by supporting the minimum drinking age of 21. Teens who see their parents supporting the law are less likely to consume alcohol.

Never allow underage substance consumption in a dwelling or other property under your control, such as a hotel room or vacation spot. Under state law, adults who knowingly host drinking, condone it or don’t take reasonable attempts to prevent it can face citations of up to $10,000.

The Partnership recommends parents start talking about the dangers of alcohol with their kids as soon as 8 years of age. Kits are available to help parents or guardians who need to discuss the subject. For ideas, visit www.P4PSauk.org or https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm.