TribLocal and The Mash, the Chicago Tribune’s weekly newspaper and website serving teenagers in the city and suburbs, ask area high school students their thoughts on important issues. As the voice of teen Chicagoland, The Mash reaches more than 200 high schools and is staffed by more than 80 students.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Should parents allow teenage drinking parties?

Nia Green, senior, Rich Central

What’s wrong with teenagers throwing up and passing out on the floor, as long as they are being “supervised” by an adult? 

Teenagers are experts at having clear judgment, so why not add alcohol? 

Come on now, who are we kidding? Whatever happened to teenagers waiting until they are 21 to drink?

Alcohol is already hard enough for some adults to handle, so why do teens think they can drink? Adults are supposed to be the responsible ones, so if teenagers make bad decisions like wanting to have alcohol at a party, then parents should deny it. 

I’ve never understood why teens think that they need alcohol at parties to enjoy themselves in the first place. Being under the influence can’t be fun when your judgment, memory, comprehension and senses are impaired.  How can you even function?

Then the next day you can’t remember what you did and who you did it with.  Alcohol can leave you sick, confused or even scarred for life.  Not being able to control yourself can put you in some serious situations that not even adults can get themselves out of. 

All adults should lead by example and not drink in front of their kids, and teach them that alcohol doesn’t make you cool or help you with your problems, it just causes more problems.  

Alcohol at teenage parties is asking for trouble, so, adults, don’t let it happen.  Just think about all the possible things that can go wrong.  Now would you want it to happen to your son or daughter because you provided the bottles?

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Gabbie Gresge, sophomore, Lyons Township

Given what I’ve seen as far as parents supplying booze, parents should definitely not allow teenage drinking. Letting a son or daughter throw a party with alcohol is downright encouragement; it’s enough that celebrities and movies endorse alcohol, but throwing parents into the mix guarantees that their teen will think that drinking is OK.

Despite this, I believe that allowing teenagers to drink at family events such as weddings–under adult supervision–is a good idea because it takes away the temptation factor of wanting to drink.

The exact opposite of this positive reinforcement is letting teens drink at the house. Other than the obvious legal problems, it opens the door for the inevitable blame if a teen is put in danger or if another parent doesn’t approve.

While underage drinking should be allowed under certain circumstances, encouraging kids to drink by turning your house into a kiddie bar is not the answer to setting limits with teens and alcohol.

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Fatima Hooda, senior, Glenbrook South

Definitely NOT!!! I can’t even begin to explain how wrong it would be if a parent did allow such a thing. I feel like this question is absurdly asking,” Should parents allow teenagers to drink poison at parties?” Of course, no parent in their right mind would want that, but nonetheless, by allowing such drinking parties, they’re definitely supporting it and showing their children that drinking is a great thing in which to indulge.

Due to the alarmingly high rate of teens indulging in dangerous habits such as drinking, parents might worry and want to supervise parties in the house rather than have their children being outside drinking in a potentially dangerous environment. While I understand that parent’s concern, I honestly think that matters would be worse if the habit is fostered within the home or with family support. With this support, teens will be prone to even worse situations that parents fear will happen later on in life.

I don’t think it’s right for parents to support teenage drinking. It’s not only bad for your health, it’s also an insult to your better judgment and intellect, and also a habit that can leech onto teens for the rest of their lives.　

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Emilia Discher, senior, Wheaton Warrenville South

This is a tough one and I have to say that I am on the fence about this question. I am against the idea of parents hosting teenage drinking parties because it’s still illegal and might even promote drinking to teens who wouldn’t normally do it.

However, teens who want drink can and will find a way. I think parents allowing and knowing about teenage drinking could possibly create a safer environment. I think it also could lead teens to showing better judgment when it comes to self-control, which could definitely prevent problems later.

If teens who intend to drink can learn their limits in a safe environment, then they can carry that into college and beyond. 

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Erik Martinez, senior, Curie

First of all, underage drinking is illegal and “supervising” it doesn’t make it right. Perhaps your son or daughter has been planning this party for months, and it’s cool that you’re letting them have it, but set some limits from the start.

I personally feel much more comfortable and safer when there are limits because I’m aware of what is tolerated, whereas if I’m allowed to do whatever I want, who knows what will happen?

But, honestly, allowing a teenage drinking party is buying your own ticket to trouble. Once somebody hears that there will be drinking, someone will try to sneak in into the party with alcohol. The popular lowerclassmen from school will be there who can sometimes be as young as 14, and who probably are willing to try more things due to pressure and insecurity.

Sure, you can supervise the party, but take responsibility as the adult and make sure that you don’t let anyone leave the door without their parents picking them up or you driving them home.

Certainly no one likes a helicopter parent, but set some boundaries from the beginning and let your child know that you trust that he or she will follow them, and you should be OK.

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