Graduation, end of school year parties, kids returning from college – great reasons to celebrate. The City of Roseville reminds parents and all adults that this is a good time to have a discussion with your children about underage drinking.
In Roseville it is a misdemeanor for an adult to allow anyone under 21 years of age to drink in their home or other property and not take action to stop the drinking. The adult does not have to be at the gathering to be criminally responsible, nor do they have to purchase the alcohol. Knowingly allowing someone underage to drink is a crime.
Underage drinking is a serious problem. It is a factor in youth violence, traffic accidents, high-risk behavior, vandalism, academic failure, depression and other health problems. Kids often get alcohol from older friends, siblings, parents or other relatives. Some argue that as long as kids are drinking at home it is okay. However, research shows that people who begin drinking as adolescents are more likely to become chemically dependent. Take time to talk with the youth in your life about the risks of underage drinking. Get information about how to talk with your child about underage drinking at www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/parents.aspx.