Don’t be part of the problem; be part of the solution
By: Mae Rhine
Tuesday at 6 p.m., parents and students have an opportunity to talk about and come up with ways to combat underage drinking.
Schools, individuals and organizations have been doing their part for many years to get help for those who need it. But society often shrugs off the problem, preferring, instead, to concentrate on "real" issues such as drug use.
Parents may feel that if they have "control" over underage drinking, it is not a problem. They may allow children to drink at home. They may take away car keys so the child isn’t a danger to himself and others on the road.
While keeping them from behind the wheel is a good thing, underage drinking itself is the problem, in some cases, leading to a lifetime of difficulties. Statistics say children who drink before age 15 are five times more likely to have alcohol problems when they’re adults.
At South Hunterdon, 68 percent of juniors and seniors, 43 percent of ninth- and 10th-graders and 17 percent of seventh- and eighth-graders have used alcohol in the month preceding, according to an American Drug and Alcohol Survey given to students a few weeks ago.
And, according to the survey, 37 percent of seniors used alcohol at home, and their parents knew about it. The same is true for 31 percent of ninth- and 10th-graders and 18 percent of seventh- and eighth-graders.
This tacit approval of underage drinking undermines any efforts made by schools, churches or others.
Getting parents as well as students to take the problem more seriously is the gist of Tuesday’s forum, "Start Talking Before They Start Drinking."
It will be led by South Superintendent Lisa Brady. The panelists include law enforcement officials such as Lambertville Police Director Bruce Cocuzza, West Amwell Patrolman Dennis Kendig and retired state policeman James Conover as well as Margaret Christofely, the school’s student assistance counselor.
The goal is to come up with a communitywide plan to fight the problem.
So join school, community and law enforcement officials at the Lambertville-New Hope Ambulance and Rescue Squad on Alexander Avenue in Lambertville. Appetizers will be served at 5:30 p.m. prior to the forum.
Don’t be a part of the problem. Be a part of the solution.

