Local Coalitions Launch Safe Teens Campaign

You would think that public health and safety officials who deal with the ill-effects of underage drinking would breathe a sigh of relief after the prom and graduation season is over.

Actually, says Ledyard Safe Teens Coordinator Karensa Mansfield, this is just the beginning.

“With graduation behind us and the start of summer vacation, teen-agers have a lot of time on their hands,” said Mansfield, whose organization is partnering with the Groton Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition on a marketing campaign called “Be the Wall.”

“The campaign is to remind parents to communicate with their children about the dangers associated with underage drinking,” Mansfield said.

“A teenager’s brain is still rapidly developing, and alcohol impacts teens’ brains differently and may lead to poor judgment,” she said. “This is why it is so important for parents to communicate clear expectations regarding alcohol use.”

Surveys conducted by Ledge Light Health District in 2009 and 2011 show that most teens get alcohol from friends or from their own homes – with or without the knowledge of their parents, Mansfield said. 

“There is no such thing as safe teen drinking,” said Michelle Hamilton, GASP Coalition Coordinator, who said teens nationwide report they neither approve nor respect adults who provide alcohol to teens. “Teens expect adults to tell them ‘no’ when it comes to alcohol,” she said. 

The “Be the Wall” campaign includes posters, billboards, pens and a variety of other marketing materials with messages promoting clear communication between parents and teens. These campaign materials will be present in many local businesses and municipal buildings throughout Groton and Ledyard.

GASP Coalition and Ledyard Safe Teens Coalition members will also be handing out “Be the Wall” coasters at local bars and restaurants around the community to encourage adults not to serve alcohol to teens.

Parents are invited to share prom and graduation stories or survival tips with other parents by participating in the parent blog at www.bethewall.org  For more information on the Ledyard Safe Teens Coalition, go to www.ledyardsafeteens.org or “like” their Facebook page.