Drug, Alcohol Prevention Program Implements Public Awareness Campaign

By Castro Valley Community Action Network

The Castro Valley Unified School District is a member of the Castro Valley Community Action Network (CV CAN), a community-based coalition that works to reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, among adults by addressing the factors that increase the risk of substance abuse while promoting solutions that lead to a Drug-Free Community.  

CV CAN is excited to implement the Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don't be a party to teenage drinking, a public awareness campaign developed by national Drug-Free Action Alliance to provide parents and community members with accurate information about the health risks of underage drinking and the legal consequences of providing alcohol to youth.

The campaign encourages parents and the community to send a unified message that teen alcohol consumption is not acceptable. It is illegal, unsafe, and unhealthy for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol.

Most youth get alcohol through social means — parties, older siblings, parents and/or other adults. According to a survey conducted in Castro Valley in 2009, 23 percent of eleventh graders reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days and 30 percent also say that it is “very easy” to obtain alcohol.

As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your teen’s friends under the age of 21 under any circumstance, even in your own home, even with their parent’s permission. You also cannot knowingly allow a person under 21, other than your own child, to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol.  There are legal consequences if you do.  According to the law in Alameda County, you can be fined a minimum of $750 and up to $2,500 (Social Host Ordinance No. 9.42.010).

Simply taking away the car keys does not solve all of the problems related to underage drinking.  Every day, at least six youth under 21 die from non-driving alcohol-related causes, such as drowning and suicide. Delinquent behaviors also increase with underage drinking.

You can protect your children by following these guidelines when hosting teen parties:

• Host safe, alcohol-free activities and events for youth
• Refuse to supply alcohol to children or allow drinking in your home or on your property
• Be at home when your teenager has a party
• Make sure your teenager’s friends do not bring alcohol into your home
• Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at youth events
• Report underage drinking to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office

Our youth deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused.  Let’s be unified in our message, and host alcohol-free parties with plenty of fun activities to show our youth that we care about their future.