GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Graduation celebrations are gearing up as school years wrap up this spring, but a debate continues – should those graduation parties include alcohol?
Crossing the stage for a high school diploma can symbolize a transition into young adulthood, but Jackie Nitschke Center Clinical Supervisor Tina Marie Baeten asks parents to steer clear of alcohol for their kids and their friends.
“Hosting a graduation party with alcohol is not giving the children or their friends of safe place to gather. In fact, it it gives a pretty disturbing message…The intention of doing this is always meant to be more positive, maybe to contribute to social or a good time. But what happens often, especially with youth, is that they don’t always know their limits,” Baeten said. “There can be a lot of pretty tragic events that can take place, so liability is huge…There can be alcohol poisioning. Youths brains, even at graduation, aren’t fully developed even if they think they are.”
There’s also the potential of drinking and driving. Baeten says especially when it comes to people unfamiliar with the impact alcohol has on their system, decision making can be the first thing to go.
“Drinking to that degree where the behaviors might come of it where they lose control of their behavior and do things they wouldn’t if they weren’t under the influence,” Baeten said. “The liability goes back to the parents who hosted the event. There’s a lot that can be lost in that, and that can become the focus of the graduation experience versus what it’s meant to be…It is necessary to look at the bigger picture and potential consequences. Really focus on the graduation, the fun, and the people joining together…There are so many other things that could to take priority – focusing on the people, the time, the experience, playing games, being social, and having a good time – and not needing alcohol to do that.”
Alcohol consumption can also lead to mental health concerns like low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, antisocial behavior and even an increased chance of addiction to other drugs.
More information about the Jackie Nitschke Center is available at www.jackienitschkecenter.org.
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