Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Writer urges parents to talk with kids about drinking and driving

The Gurdon Junior/Senior Prom on Friday, March 28, is a day students have been anticipating this year. These are memorable times for students.

At the Gurdon School District, we are committed to making this chapter of their lives as safe as possible.

Between March 24 and March 28, the Gurdon School District will sponsor several events to achieve this goal.

On March 25, Clark County Sheriff David Turner will present a program at Gurdon High School about the risks of driving while intoxicated. Throughout the week, student-led public service announcements will air on the local radio station.

Facts regarding underage drinking will be placed in the school announcements each day.

The purpose of these events is to remind students that underage drinking is the nations number-one youth drug problem.

According to the Center for Disease Control, underage drinking kills 6.5 times more young people than all other illicit drugs combined. Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teens.

By addressing this problem, we hope to prevent grim consequences.

One of the keys to preventing underage drinking is the involvement of family members.

A recent survey revealed that 65 percent of teens obtain the alcohol they drink from family and friends  with or without permission.

In contrast, 65 percent of 10- to 18-year-olds cite parents as the leading influence for them not to drink.

The Gurdon School District encourages families to talk regularly with their teens about the dangers of underage drinking. We also invite families to visit the Web site, www.promtips.org, for tips on how to make your teens prom night safe and alcohol-free.

The district mailed a letter and brochure, including a prom pledge, to the home of each Gurdon High School junior and senior.

Please take time to discuss the prom pledge with your teen, and sign, stating that you have done so.