Parents of Wilton teens will have some light reading to do on a dark subject once the new school year starts. Sometime in October, the Wilton Youth Council will distribute "A Parent's Guide for the Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use" to the parents of all middle and high school students.
The booklet contains Wilton specific information on such topics as statistics, laws and local resources for parents and teens. The WYC released a similar guide in 2007. The update features more recent statistics, new research, and new input from parents.
"Alcohol and drug use among teens remains a serious problem among Wilton youth," said WYC board member Colleen Fawcett. "Despite modest 10-year decreases in alcohol consumption among older youth, [the numbers] still exceed national averages," Fawcett said in an email.
Parents launched the WYC in the 1980s after a survey showed an increase in underage drinking among local youth. The WYC hopes to combat this problem by improving communication among the schools, police, municipal officials and parents.
Fawcett received the Board of Selectmen's endorsement of the booklet Monday and will meet with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gary Richards and the Board of Education to get theirs next week.
"We are seeking endorsements of community leaders to show a decided commitment of town leaders in partnering to keep teens safe from substance abuse," Fawcett said.
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