Wake up: The kids are drinking

We're all at fault when teens consume alcohol. There are many reasons why, and many ways to help prevent dangerous behavior.

First, acknowledge that they're drinking. Chances are your own kids have tried alcohol. Second, don't think that parties today are like the ones you attended as a kid. These gatherings go way beyond "spin the bottle" or "Truth or Dare." The parties your adolescent goes to can get ugly, dangerous and scary. Strangers show up, thanks to online announcements. Date rape and violence are common, as is passing out from binge drinking.

Don't supply alcohol to minors. Some parents do. At a recent area birthday party for an 18-year-old, parents provided beer, believing it would be okay because the guests were invited to spend the night. But not all spent the night- some left by car after the party. We're fooling ourselves if we think that sort of hazardous behavior is acceptable.

If parents don't give a clear message while these kids are living at home, what will happen if they go away to college?

Will they know what to do if they find a group of students in their dorm room playing a drinking game? What if they find someone passed out drunk in the bathroom?

The orientation issue of the Daily Nexus, UC Santa Barbara's student newspaper, provided an enlightening look at the collegiate culture our teenagers face. Mailed to incoming freshmen, the Nexus is filled with photos and vulgar advice on sex and the best ways to get drunk, both on and off campus. UCSB is certainly not the only college with this culture. Many others have reputations as "party schools."

Not worried? Go to a "reality party" where actors recreate a teen party, replete with drugs, alcohol and sexual pressure. You'll find it a wake-up call.

We should do everything we can to educate young people about the dangers of alcohol. Every one of us- parents, teachers, police, friends- has a responsibility to guide this generation.

Our teens, whether they're away at college or just out with friends for a few hours, need to have a plan. They almost need to have a script ready, a "cool" way to say no when offered a beer or something stronger. They need to be encouraged to do their own research about alcohol, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control, about 75 percent of high school students have already tried. About 28 percent of teens reported episodes of binge drinking. Alcohol-related auto crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and young adults. Drinking also erases inhibitions. Do they want to contract herpes or HIV?

Excuses are a copout. We must help kids protect themselves; otherwise, we have only ourselves to blame.