Parents can find out what may be happening when their kids go over to a friends to "hang out" April 17 at one of the Reality Parties in Building 2870 Craig Road.
According to Leslie Watts, Family Advocacy Program prevention specialist at Army Community Service, underage drinking is a scary reality. "We went to great lengths to make the April 17 party as true to life as possible, so parents will understand what is at stake if they choose to allow kids to drink at their home," she said.
Parents attending the "reality party" will get an honest and brutal look at what can, and often does, happen at teen drinking parties. And sometimes, these parties are even hosted by parents.
"From drinking games, to raiding pills from the medicine cabinet and brutal fights, the teens don't pull any punches when it comes to showing parents what can happen when they furnish alcohol to kids," said Watts, who hopes the event will not only convince parents not to provide alcohol to teens, but to also go a step further. "They have to take reasonable steps to make sure the parties aren't taking place. Lock up their liquor supplies and make sure the parents are supervising teen parties."
Watts said parents of children 12 and older are welcome and invited to join ACS and their partner Lawton Wichita Mountains Prevention Network for one of the parent tours of reality parties that will open your eyes to what is really going on and the dangers you should know about.
The performers at the party are students at the Lawton School of Arts and Sciences. They will demonstrate what kinds of things happen at teen parties like the increase in the use of prescription pills, illicit drugs, underage and binge drinking and sexual assaults.
"There will be a question and answer session after the tour and subject matter experts will be on hand to answer any questions," said Watts. "We know parents want to be the best possible parent they can be but sometimes they are not aware of what is happening at teen parties. These parties educate parents and provide them with the most current, relevant information on what can happen when teens are in an altered state."
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"I want parents that take this tour to see it and realize the dangers involved and how quickly a party like this can get out of hand ... and understand the consequences," said Watts.
There will be three tours April 17 from 3:30-7 p.m. at 2870 Craig Road. Times for the tours are: 3:30- 4:30 p.m.; 4:45-5:45 p.m.; and 6-7 p.m. Tours are free but ticket are required. Space is limited so reserve your tickets now. Tickets can be picked up at Adventure Travel now through the day of the event. For more information call Watts at 442-3779.
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