RIDGEFIELD, Conn. Parental supervision has been proved to be a deciding factor when dealing with Ridgefield teens and underage drinking.
The concern surrounding underage substance abuse is something First Selectman Rudy Marconi has decided to put on the front page.
I think its a huge issue today that our kids are stressed a lot more than the adults realize, Marconi said, citing the presence of technology in society as a reason parents have lost touch with their children.
According to a study done in the middle and high schools, Marconi said parental involvement is directly proportional to substance abuse. The survey showed in ninth grade, parental supervision was high and substance use was at around 30 percent. In 11th and 12th grades, parental supervision was almost non-existent and not going to parties or drinking was the exception, not the rule.
Were trying to get parents to pay closer attention, he said.
Parents may have been listening. Ridgefield Police Capt. Tom Comstock, said he has seen a decrease in the number of parties they respond to in the 25 years he has been on the force.
People have been getting better about it; parents have been on top of their children. But it still occurs, and were trying for zero tolerance, Comstock said. Having a party and serving alcohol to minors is a felony he added, and the host or homeowner will be arrested.
Comstock said the department has been trying to change the mindset that having parties with alcohol is a rite of passage simply because youre 18..
Its a very serious issue and one that a community has a tendency to ignore, sweep under the rug, saying no we dont have that problem, Marconi said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
