Cobb County spring break is almost here. During this time parents should remember to listen carefully to teens to make sure they’re vacationing alcohol-free. The CDC reminds us of the dangers that underage drinking causes, such as memory problems, poor or failing grades and even death from alcohol poisoning or other alcohol related accidents.

Parents, now is the time to talk to your teens and ensure you know what they are doing this spring break.

• Be aware – spring break is a time for some teens to hit beaches overcrowded with other teens, where drinking alcohol is the featured activity.
• Listen carefully – if your teen presses hard about heading to a “party” spring break destination with friends – beware! It is highly likely that your teen is a current drinker and at high risk for experiencing some dangerous spring break incident, sure to involve alcohol.
• Plan ahead – don’t wait ‘til your teen asks if he/she can go with friends to some “fun” destination. Talk often and early about your family expectations for appropriate spring break activities and destinations.

For a full list of spring break safety tips CLICK HERE

(Source: Cobb Alcohol Taskforce)

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Cobb County prom season is in full swing, which means celebrations, fun and, unfortunately, increased underage drinking incidents. Cobb Alcohol Taskforce wants to remind parents, educators and the community to take proper precautions so teens can experience a safe and sober evening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, alcohol causes more harm for youth than all illegal drugs combined. National and local surveys report that private parties are the primary source for youth to obtain alcohol and in Cobb County most students binge drink at a friend’s house. While some parents may think it is acceptable for teens to drink in their home while supervised, this action is both illegal and unsafe.

The recent passing of the Social Host Ordinance in unincorporated Cobb County, City of Kennesaw and City of Austell puts violators at risk of criminal, civil or administrative penalties. Under the Social Host Ordinance when officers respond to an event/location where underage persons are cited for alcohol possession or consumption, the individual host of the social event can be issued a citation and charged with violating the local county/city social host ordinance.

CobbAT’s parent, education and community partners can take the following actions throughout prom season:

• Provide students with developmentally appropriate knowledge, skills, and motivation to resist peer and other pressures to drink
• Train campus personnel to recognize alcohol-related problems, intervene appropriately, and utilize uniform referral protocols
• Help get the word out about underage drinking laws
• Create friendly alcohol-free places and programs where youth can gather, volunteer and succeed without alcohol
• Talk with other parents and adults to make sure that alcohol is not available at the events youth will attend

For more information and resources, visit www.cobbat.org

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Now is your chance to get involved in the community with Cobb Alcohol Taskforce at an upcoming general meeting on Tuesday, March 12, in Marietta, Georgia. Meet new executive director Peter Armstrong and work toward positive outcomes in underage and youth binge drinking prevention throughout Cobb County.

Meeting will be held from 11:30am-1pm at Sheriff’s Work Release Center, 1825 County Services Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Members of the following sectors of the Cobb community are encouraged to attend: business, civic, education, faith, government, healthcare, judicial, law enforcement, media, non-profit, parent and youth.

Attendees are invited to bring a sack lunch. Beverages will be provided.

For further information, contact Peter Armstrong, executive director, Cobb Alcohol Taskforce at Petera@cobbat.org; 404.791.7406, or visit them online at www.cobbat.org.

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The Cobb Alcohol Taskforce Youth Council Summit is scheduled for February 2, 2013.  The summit is for middle and high school aged youth who are interested in making a difference in their community. The event will provide youth-led hands-on leadership skill building activities and projects. Help shape a collective youth voice to lead the way for local underage and youth binge drinking prevention efforts.

If you are interested in attending or want more information, visithttp://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6lkbslzff0a9990&llr=q7d6eedab .