Freedom High Principal Urges Parents Not to Let Kids Drink, But Should They?

This is always a fun debate. Well, depending on your definition of “fun.” The principal of Freedom High School recently sent out a letter urging parents to not furnish alcohol to their children. It was sent in response to an unfortunate student alcohol related death.

That’s no laughing matter and a very serious issue. So, my tone will be slightly more… not funny as usual on this one since I’ll be asking a for real question…

… Freedom High School Principal Michael LaPorta thinks it’s further complicated when adults are part of the problem and not the solution, whether by turning a blind eye or hosting a party.

LaPorta’s fear that one morning he’d have to announce to his school a student died in an alcohol-related incident prompted him to write a letter to the school community urging parents to step up.

LaPorta believes underage drinking and marijuana use in the Bethlehem Area School District is rampant. And he’s disturbed to hear from students and teachers that parents, older siblings and friends are supplying the inebriants. SOURCE: The Express-Times

*Please note right off the bat, I’m not talking about parents who let their kids drink on a regular basis at home, I’m talking strictly about isolated parties (Prom, etc.)

However, isn’t there something to be said for being the place where kids can drink? 

Let’s be pragmatic for a minute. Not EVERY high school kid wants to go out and get wasted all the time. If they do, there is a serious issue going on and parents should recognize that and take the appropriate steps. However, MOST students are going to experiment with alcohol at some point during their high school career. 

So, couldn’t a case be made that since the kids are going to probably experiment that they do so in a house where parents are at and they have no option of driving home?

I mean, if the kids are going to experiment (again, this isn’t about habitual use) then only way you can stop them is to effectively chain them inside the house. 

Should kids be drinking in high school? Probably not. Are they? Yes. So, if they are going to do it no matter how super great of a parent you are, even if you don’t let them watch the internet, isn’t it best to provide them a place to do so safely?

Because, if parents don’t, then won’t kids just go out and do it somewhere else and hide it from their parents? Sure, you said “You can call me whenever you want for a ride.” But, they won’t do that because then you’ll be all mad at them.

Just sayin. Both sides are “correct” in this statement. I guess it’s just which side you’re on. I would tend to be more realistic and ensure the safety of my kid overall.

Also, I’m talking about isolated incidents. If a parent is allowing their kid to drink at home every weekend, then there is a serious issue. 

I didn’t include marijuana in this because… well my fingers are tired.

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