Scott City incident affirms problems of teen drinking

To the editor:

Unfortunately, your articles about the Scott City after-prom party reaffirm what many educators across the nation have been fighting for years. National statistics show that teenage use of alcohol is on the upswing and that the most common form of abuse is binge drinking. The scenario described in your recent articles exemplifies those statistics. The worst part is that some parents accept and reaffirm this self-destructive behavior.

Saying "They're going to do it anyway and they may as well do it at my house so I can watch them" is a large part of the problem. Hosting such parties only increases the risks. The opportunity for disaster is greatly increased when teens and alcohol gather in a controlled environment. The very term "controlled environment" is negated when you mix alcohol and any group. People tend to lose control when under the influence of alcohol.

The students who admitted their participation and accepted their punishment are to be commended. The school is to be commended for sticking to its policy. Contracts are binding agreements not to be taken lightly. The coach who participated in this should have her fate determined according to board policy. I suggest the parents educate themselves about the risks of promoting such behavior. You will find no research indicating that this is an acceptable practice.

ROY MERIDETH

Cape Girardeau