Stay Safe and Sober This Prom Season in Cobb

Many proms and parties are scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights throughout March, April and May, 2012. A time of celebration for teenagers and their families, it is also a time of increased underage drinking incidents. Cobb Alcohol Taskforce partners have come together in support of a Safe and Sober Prom Season. Law enforcement agencies, schools and community partners throughout the county are aware and have taken steps to address this high risk time of year for underage and youth binge drinking.

Some high school students, and parents, believe that it is okay to drink and party in a limousine or party bus because they are not driving. This is not only unsafe, it is illegal. If you are hosting a pre/post prom party, knowing your legal liability is important. Learn to reduce your risk while keeping youth safe and sober.  Community citizens are encouraged to call 911 or their local police precinct to report underage drinking incidents, and to call 770-499-4719 to report illegal sales of alcohol to a minor. Reports can be anonymous and just might save a life.

Underage drinking is a factor in the 3 leading causes of death for youth, also contributing to assaults, date rape, sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies, alcohol poisonings and crimes. According to the 2010 GA Student Health Survey results for Cobb County School District 12th graders; 30% reported alcohol use in the past 30 days; 76% reported alcohol is easy to get; 70% reported drinking on weekends; 61% reported using alcohol at a friend’s house.

Resources for a Safe and Sober Prom 2012 are available on the Cobb Alcohol Taskforce homepage at www.cobbat.org and include the following:

• List of dates and locations of all Cobb/Marietta High Schools’ Prom 2012, which was shared with area law enforcement agencies
• Spotlight on Cobb Safe Prom segment was filmed, to air on TV23 throughout March, April and May
• Have a Safe and Sober Prom (available in English/Spanish) newsletter article, which was disseminated to parents through local PTA & PTSA units in Cobb/Marietta area schools
• Letter was sent to Prom Party Transportation Providers with safety tips/liability reminders