Educator: Culture of Underage Drinking Can Change

To many, underage drinking is simply something kids will do and the best hope is to keep them from getting behind the wheel and perhps reach a few.

But Maria Coutant Skinner, Canton resident and Parent Education Coordinator for The McCall Foundation, a prevention and treatment agency, sees it differently. Attitudes can change, she said, using smoking and seat-belt use as examples. Just a generation ago, smoking was the norm and seat belt buckles were generally semi-permanently wedged into rear seats. Now, due to education, law enforcement and media campaigns, the number of smokers is dramatically reduced and most wear seat belts, she said. 

“Very quickly culture changed,” she said.

Skinner was one of nearly 20 people who gathered at a Substance Abuse Council/Community of Concern meeting Monday night to discuss ways to further combat underage drinking. At the table were school and town officials, volunteers, non-profit leaders and others. 

The meeting had already been planned and the schools and others have offered programs but three separate underage drinking incidents a few weekends ago sparked further action and discussion. While many feel that it is not the norm in town, they did say further action is needed. 

Recent “Courageous Parenting” sessions with the McCall Foundation were well received and school officials are looking to quickly sponsor another educational event for parents.

The issue is so important because research shows that alcohol is so detrimental for teens due to its effect on the developing brain and increased chances of addiction, Skinner and others said.

And cultural pressures were one aspect discussed. Pat Maloy, president of Canton High School’s Virtual PTO, said she and other parents, as well as teachers, were aware of plans for one of the well-discussed incidents, a freshmen party. Maloy said she and others should have called someone but sometimes don’t know who to call or fear that they will receive pressure from their own teens or other parents. And while some of those who heard about it may not have realized alcohol would be involved a call may have prevented the incident, she said.

“That would at least initiate some action,” Maloy said.

Police Chief Christopher Arciero reiterated that the routine dispatch number — 860-693-0221 is confidential and can be completely anonymous and officers can always check into a reported incident.  

Dr. Jordan Grossman, assistant superintendent for Canton schools, said the district will also educate teachers on the issue.

Substance Abuse Council Chairwoman Sue Saidel said it’s another area where parents can be educated as well — to make that call to the parents of the home where a party is going to be held to make sure they are going to be home and that it is on the up and up. 

Kevin J. Hanlon, principal at Canton Intermediate School, also discussed a program in Farmington that works with incoming ninth-graders. The program,   "Farmington Focus," looks to educate kids on drinking survey statistics. Often freshmen believe that alcohol use is more prevalent than it is, making them more likely to feel pressured into drinking, he said. 

Other initiatives and services were also discussed.

Michael Shelby, information officer for a local Alcoholics Anonymous region, told officials about a program the organization offers in which young people ages 17 to 27, who have been sober for at least a year, come talk to the students about personal struggles.

"The kids can relate to personal stories," he said. 

Thomas J. Steen, executive director of Capital Area Substance Abuse Council, told the group about some ideas and that the organization did have some program funds available.

Thomas Gotaski, who runs a cadet program for the town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department, said it is another alternative that is great for the kids. The program not only teaches valuable skills and a culture of respect, but also gives kids a place to go, away from potential pressures. And sometimes, they see firsthand the effects of poor decisions.

"It sets in real quick," Gotaski said.