IT'S NOT about "civil rights" or "parental control" or any of the other pathetic evasions employed by parents of some Westminster High School students suspended from clubs and sports because they were at a party where extensive underage drinking occurred.
It is about teen-agers honoring their pledge not to do so, as a condition of participation in extracurricular activities, and the Carroll school system holding them to that pledge.
It is about the multiplying dangers of underage drinking. And about the chilling attitudes of too many adults, who seem to view it as an expected rite of passage and of no concern to the schools. And about the disquieting remark that "at least it's not drugs."
Fact is, alcohol is the most widespread substance abuse problem among youngsters.
More than 60 percent of Carroll County high school seniors admit to binge drinking (five or more drinks). And more than half the seniors had a drink within the past month, according to a 1997 State Department of Education survey of adolescents who responded anonymously.
The number of Carroll minors referred to the juvenile justice system because of alcohol doubled from 1995 to 1997.
Nineteen people were killed in Maryland auto accidents caused by an underage drinking driver in 1996; later figures are unavailable.
Indictment of society
These figures do not indicate a momentary lapse, a temptation of one-time curiosity. It's a damning indictment of a society that tolerates juvenile intoxication and blatant violation of the law.
The national picture is equally discouraging.
More than half of cases in juvenile court primarily involve alcohol.
Teen-agers are involved in alcohol-related auto accidents at five times the rate of adults older than 35.
Alcohol addiction is much more likely for younger drinkers than those who wait until the legal age to consume alcohol.
Violence, date rape, unprotected sex and criminal activity are more common among underage drinkers.
School systems nationwide offer programs to educate youngsters to the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Some even start in kindergarten, with reciting the "Just Say No" message.
As early as fifth grade
In fifth grade, Carroll pupils get a hard look at the harmful effects of alcohol. That's none too soon, either. Among youths undergoing alcohol-abuse counseling at Junction Inc., a Westminster drug treatment facility, are some kids who began drinking at age 11.
