It is easy for some teen to get alcohol. Underage drinkers can buy it without being asked for their identification. Some might use fake ID’s or ask friends or siblings to purchase the alcohol. Others attend at-home parties where alcohol is served.

Parents can team up to keep their children from potentially hurting themselves and others by drinking before the legal age of 21. Parents and communities can make it clear that no means no when it comes to underage alcohol use.

A no alcohol policy doesn’t mean teens have to give up having fun. Many volunteer groups at local high schools are hosting post prom events, but parents also need to do their part.

Follow these suggestions from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and Ohio Parents for Drug Free Youth:

• Be firm in the "no use before age 21" message you give your teenagers.

• If you drink, be a good role model or example in your own use of alcohol.

• Talk to your children about how to say no to alcohol or other drugs and still save face with their friends.

• Be at home when your child has a party and be seen regularly.

• Refuse to supply alcohol to children other than your own in your home or on your property.

• Ask people to leave if they bring alcohol to the party. Call parents or police if necessary. Call the parents of someone who arrives at the party drunk. Don’t allow anyone who is drunk to drive home.

• Have one entrance into and out of the party where a parent will be stationed. Check coats at the door since pockets can conceal cans or bottles. Don’t allow guests to leave the party and return.

When your teen is attending a party:

• Make a pact with your child concerning drinking and driving; even if he doesn’t drink, he could ride with someone who does. Agree that he/she will always call you for a ride home. You will not yell, lecture or give a guilt trip when you pick up your child. The next day you will discuss what happened and decide on an appropriate consequence.

• Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at other events your child will be attending.

• Set a time for your child to arrive home. Be awake when you child gets home.

• Check with the friend’s parents to verify plans to stay overnight. Don’t allow last-minute plans to sleep over.

• Report underage drinking by calling the anonymous, toll-free Hotline at 1-877-4-MINORS.

For more information or for information on available parenting courses, contact Nancy Hudson, Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, at (330) 725-4911.