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Schools

Panel Tells Parents What Really Happens on Saturday Night

Seminar gives parents insight into what their kids are involved in

Note: Lorton Patch agreed to maintain the anonymity of the students involved in this seminar in order to cover the story.

A panel of six South County Secondary seniors presented “Saturday Night in the Suburbs” to more than 50 parents on Monday evening in the Silver Box Theater. The topics and questions, which were prearranged with the students and event organizers, covered alcohol, drugs, parties, communication and the Internet. The Safe Youth Coalition and the South County PTSO organized the free event, which was open to parents and adults in the community.

The six panelists were all seniors and are involved in a variety of activities, including athletics, leadership, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Advanced Placement courses and after school jobs.

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 “These students are exceptional, so normal…it is a privilege that we get to talk to them,” said moderator Diane Eckert. Eckert is the executive director of the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County and is also on the Executive Board of Directors for Community Coalitions of Virginia.

Alcohol was the first topic, because it is the most widely used drug in the Fairfax County. Substance Abuse Specialist Devin McKinzie cited boredom, curiosity and peer pressure (fear of missing out) as reasons why teens try alcohol. A female panelist said that alcohol was used by almost everyone, “even the kids you wouldn’t expect to use it.”

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The number one place teens find alcohol is in their own home, which is why it’s important as parents to practice safe drinking habits, because your kids are watching. Clearly tell you children the alcohol in the home is off limits to them as well as their friends. One student advised to “say it once, then verify.” Check and make sure that no alcohol is missing.

The panelists also noted the importance of role models. One pointed out that if an adult is drinking while out at dinner, then they should demonstrate responsible drinking practices by arranging for a designated driver or allowing a child with a permit or license to drive home. According to Eckert, the drinking and driving rate for Fairfax County is 24 percent, while the South County rate is 29 percent. One student-athlete remarked that because of a lack of communication between students and parents, some teens would rather risk death by driving home than telling their parents they had been drinking.

When discussing communication, the six seniors unanimously agreed that when discussing important topics with your teens, like drinking, drugs and partying, it’s best to keep it brief. Eventually, a teen will tune out the advice, or become frustrated with the length of the lecture.

A few of the seniors also brought up the importance of getting to know your teens’ friends and the parents of their friends. Verifying that a parent is home while your teen is there or what activities are taking place at the home are important practices. It may be embarrassing for the teen, but the senior panelists said that your teen’s safety is more important.

“‘Saturday Night in the Suburbs’ was brought to my attention last year by a South County parent, Liz Mullany, who heard that Lake Braddock was hosting this program at their school,” said Jennifer MacDonald who helped organize the event. “It seemed like a very interesting concept and one that would be in demand.” MacDonald and Mullany worked with the Safe Youth Coalition and the South County administration to bring the program to South County.

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