Giving alcohol to a minor can seem harmless. Especially when the quantity is small. But the negative results to the person who supplies it can be both serious and permanent.
Students preparing for some careers may be blocked if they are found guilty of unlawfully dealing with a minor. Or to corrupting the morals of a minor. Such a conviction and criminal record can be enough to prevent work in some fields. These careers include education,, criminal justice, counseling, social work and many others. And that’s regardless of the facts.
A Common Practice
It’s common for parents to serve alcoholic beverages to their own children. Most states recognize the value of this practice. Therefore, they permit people under the age of 21 to drink with their parents. Usually at home, but often restaurants, bars and other venues.
Federal research has shown the effectiveness of drinking with parents. For instance, researchers made a studyof 6,200 teenagers across the U.S. They found that those who drank alcohol with their parents were less likely than other to have abused it.
Minors drinking with parents “may help teach them responsible drinking habits or extinguish some of the ‘novelty’ or ‘excitement’ of drinking.” So says senior researcher Dr. Kristie Long Foley of the School of Medicine at Wake Forest University. Dr. Foley describes drinking with parents as a “protective” behavior.
But Never….
On the other hand it’s important that parents never serve alcohol to the offspring of other parents. The law doesn’t permit it. Not even with the approval of the other parents.
Many parents try to prevent harm to their children’s friends, So they taking the keys of all young people at the parties they sponsor. They insist on moderation, and closely monitor behavior.
But such parents may end up seriously hurting themselves. Conviction, fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record awaits violations. That’s what some well-meaning parents have to show for their efforts.