Teens need our help to make the right decisions about alcohol

A new school year has begun, so it's a good time to remind everyone about the dangers of teenage drinking.

It's a huge problem, and may, in fact, be getting worse. If you have kids in high school, the chances are good that they've tried alcohol.

More importantly, the parties they go to are a far cry from the ones you went to. Parties today can get scary, ugly and dangerous. Strangers show up, thanks to online announcements and calls on cellphones. Parties can be marred by date rape and violence. Passing out from binge drinking is all too common.

Contributing to the problem are parents who break the law and provide alcohol or totally ignore underage drinking. At a recent birthday party for an 18-year-old in Oak Park, the parents provided beer, believing it would be okay because the guests were invited to spend the night.

Inevitably, somebody breaks the rules, keeps his car keys and leaves the party.

The orientation issue of the Daily Nexus, UC Santa Barbara's student newspaper, recently provided a shocking look at the collegiate culture facing teenagers. Mailed to incoming freshmen, Nexus was filled with photos and vulgar advice about sex and the best ways to get drunk, both on and off campus. UCSB isn't the only party school in Southern California. Even private universities with small enrollments have problems.

The goal for everyone--parents, teachers, peace officers and friends--is to educate young people about the dangers of alcohol. We all have a responsibility in this regard.

Teens must be equipped with an acceptable way to say no to alcohol and other substances.

The problem is big. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 75 percent of high school students have already tried alcohol and 28 percent of them, almost a third of them, reported episodes of binge drinking. Alcohol-related vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and young adults.

Drinking also erases inhibitions. Partiers who engage in sexual activity are at risk for HIV, herpes and other STDs.

Let's do our best to help young people protect themselves and make better choices.