Leading the Way

Fact & Fiction

Think you know all there is to know about underage drinking and house parties?

Myth: Kids are too smart to drink in somebody’s home
Fact: Surveys continue to show that teens and pre-teens drink at house parties more often than any other venue. And it’s illegal.

Myth: Kids are probably safer drinking at a house party than anywhere else.
Fact: House parties don’t occur in a vacuum – kids drive to and from them. 32% of South Dakota students reported riding with someone who had been drinking; 17% admitted to driving after drinking. That’s illegal.

Myth: As long as they stick to beer, underage drinking isn’t a problem.
Fact: A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and 1.5 ounces of hard liquor all contain the same amount of alcohol and have the same effects on the body and mind. And underage drinking is illegal.

Myth: Kids are going to drink anyway, so it’s better to open up the house for party with alcohol.
Fact: Hosting an underage drinking party is illegal, and kids whose parents are firm in their stance against underage drinking are more likely to refuse alcohol and delay their first drinking experience. Be a parent.

The bottom line is, adults have a huge impact on children and teens’ decisions about drinking and other drug use. If they believe their parents condone underage drinking, they are more likely to drink. If they know their parents strongly disapprove, they are less likely to do so. Be a parent.