Stop Teenage Alcohol Related Tragedies (S.T.A.R.T.)
S.T.A.R.T. is a coordinated effort between Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow and Will County Sheriff Paul Kaupas to help educate teens, parents and the public to the increasing use and abuse of alcohol by underage drinkers, and the related preventable tragedies.
Please take the time to read the following information and feel free to contact the State’s Attorney’s department of Crime Prevention at 815-727-8742 for more information.
The Facts
- Almost 20% of all traffic related crashes involving a driver under the age of 21 involved alcohol or other drugs
- Drunk or drugged driving is the leading cause of death among young Americans for every age between 6 and 27
- Crashes with a driver under the age of 21 that are attributable to alcohol or other drugs cost $18.2 billion a year (in 1998 dollars)
- Most alcohol consumed by teens is purchased by parents or other legal age adult
- Most teens use alcohol at friends homes
- 10.7 million underage youth drink, 7.2 million are binge drinkers
- In a survey of Americans ages 12-17, the average person took their first drink before age 13
- Each day, 7,000 children try their first alcoholic beverage
- Eighty (80) percent of high school seniors have used alcohol and over 50% of high school seniors have used marijuana. In Will County, 52% of seniors are current users of alcohol and 12% of 8th graders have participated in binge drinking in the past two weeks (Illinois Youth Survey, 2002)
“Kids need and want parents to set limits and enforce consequences. Be firm, fair,and kind. Let them know they’ll have opportunities to rebuild trust”
What Parents Don’t Know Can Hurt The Kids
- Adolescents get addicted more quickly than do adults. Where an adult brain may take 5-15 years, to become addicted, a developing brain can become addicted in as little as 6 months. (The brain is not fully developed until 22-24 years of age)
- Kids do not drink socially. They drink to get drunk or high. That statement comes from the kids, so we’d better listen. And yes, one beer will get them high
- When parents allow their children to drink, even “just a sip at home”, they are giving kids the message that underage drinking is okay and it’s okay to break the law. This belief system can translate into very unsafe behaviors
- A 1993 study of 12,000 students ages 7–17 found that when school age children are allowed to drink at home, they are not only more likely to use alcohol and other drugs outside the home, but are also more likely to develop serious behavioral and health problems related to substance use. The survey indicated that the parents allowed for “supervised” underage drinking, which is a bigger factor in use and abuse than peer pressure
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the ONLY thing.” Albert Schweitzer
- Alcohol is the most abused DRUG in this country. It affects the brain and it’s abilities to reason and control emotion. Hormone levels fluctuate and judgment and reflexes are impaired, setting teens up for disaster
The Laws
- Any person under the age of 21 convicted of violating the Liquor Control Act of 1934 for the illegal purchase, attempting to purchase, accepting, possession or consumption of alcohol will have his or her driving privileges suspended or revoked for one year
- Providing alcohol to a person under 21 can result in a Class A misdemeanor with possible imprisonment for up to one year and fines of $500-$2,500
- Parents or guardians knowingly allowing underage consumption of alcoholic beverages at gatherings at a residence can result in a Class A misdemeanor with possible imprisonment for up to one year and fines of $500-$2,500
- Illegal transportation of alcohol may result in offenders having their driving privileges suspended for one year for a first offense and revoked for a second offense
- Any motel/hotel employee that rents a room to a person under the age of 21 knowing that alcohol beverages will be consumed there; or any person age 21 or older paying for a hotel room or facility knowing that alcoholic beverages will be consumed there by individuals under the age of 21 can result in a Class A misdemeanor with possible imprisonment for up to one year and fines of $500-$2,500 and can be help liable for any injuries or damage to persons or property caused by the underage drinker(s)
- Any person under the age of 18 who has been charged with an offense as a result of an accident in which a passenger was seriously injured or killed may be denied a driver’s license or license renewal by the Secretary of State’s office
Communication with your Teen
This is a wish-list created by teens asked to talk about how parents could improve communication and cooperation with their kids
- Don’t ask me to do something when I’m busy doing something else
- Try to put up with family members’ bad moods
- Give me time when I can talk to you without any interruption, maybe even late at night
- Listen before you yell
- Lighten up a little
- Realize that I am my own person. I am not anything like my brother or sister
- Even though my problems may seem ridiculous to you at times, don’t tell me to forget it. Give me advice or help me problem solve
- Remember, I do try to please you
- Remember to count to 10..or maybe 20
- Make sure you tell me you appreciate having me around
- Admit it when you’re wrong
- Be honest with me
- Show your happiness
- Plan time with me alone, once a week
- Just be there for me, not just to give advice, but to acknowledge my feelings so I can figure things out for myself
Warning Signs of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse
- Change in personality, sudden mood swings
- Drop in interest in school, old friends and activities: change in friends that may be part of the “drug” crowd
- Missing objects or money, smell of alcohol, smoke, or chemicals
- Looks and acts high; red/blurry eyes, coughs, nosebleeds, dry lips, open sores, disoriented and/or disinterested
- Decline in personal grooming, disturbing rumors, or writings of parties, drugs and drinking
What You Can Do
- Remain calm or calm down, only talk to your child when he/she is sober
- Explain what you have observed and listen with an open mind
- Express your love and care for your child and refer to previously negotiated rules and consequences. Enforce the consequences and discuss future consequences
- Continue to observe and support positive change
- If the problem persists, seek help for you and your child
What Communities Can Do
In 2004, the Federal Government funded the first comprehensive report on prevention of underage drinking and made 8 recommendations that are proven to reduce underage drinking. The recommendations include:
- A National Adult-Oriented Media Campaign
- Partnerships to Prevent Underage Drinking that includes the social responsibility of the alcohol industry marketing tactics
- Working with Entertainment Media and the social responsibility of not glamorizing underage drinking
- Limiting Access to alcohol by underage drinkers that includes Keg Registration and Social Hosting ordinances
- Youth-Oriented Interventions including youth-focused national media campaigns and local youth- led efforts
- Community Interventions which includes coalition development and community organization
- Government Assistance and Coordination
- Alcohol Excise Taxes
Breaking News
Take Back the Night
15th Anniversary Rally
What: Take Back the Night brings survivors, supporters, and activists together in a call for the end of violence against women.
When: Thursday, October 6, 2011
5:30 p.m.
Where: Joliet West High School,
401 North Larkin Avenue, Joliet
Keynote Speaker: Carmina Salcido, violence survivor, author, and American Idol contestant.
