According to the Georgia Student Health Survey, high school students in Georgia do not think it is difficult to get their hands on alcohol if they want to drink. The results of this survey are troublesome to many since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also pointed out that more teenagers are choosing to take part in binge drinking, which can lead to legal, social and health problems.
In Georgia, individuals who are under the age of 21 could be charged with minor consumption or minor in possession if they are caught drinking. These charges might not seem serious, but adults or other individuals who provide or sell alcohol to those who are underage could face serious charges for doing so, especially if someone is injured or killed at the hands of a drunk teenager.
As part of Alcohol Awareness Month this April, organizations throughout the state hope to better educate Georgia parents and teens about the consequences and dangers of underage drinking and excessive drinking.
To help prevent underage drinking and the consequences resulting from binge drinking, organizations point out that the most important thing parents can do is to stay involved with their children. Just last year in Douglas County, a 16-year-old was killed in a drunk driving accident. After investigating the incident, at least one adult was charged with selling alcohol to several minors who were involved in the fatal accident. According to the Georgia Student Health Survey, only about 80 percent of teens who participated in the survey reported that their parents did not approve of them using alcohol.
Alcohol abuse prevention initiatives also hope to inform teens about how binge drinking can lead to problems with addiction, which can have an effect on relationships, educational opportunities and careers. Underage drinking can also lead to trouble with law enforcement, especially if teens drink and drive.
Source: DouglasvillePatch, “April Is Alcohol Awareness Month,” Michelle Harrison, April 11, 2012