Ore. Youth Discourage Adults from Giving Alcohol to Minors August 19, 2004
News Summary
Teens from the Youth Empowerment Squad in Yamhill County, Ore., have recorded radio commercials that target adults who provide alcohol to minors, the Oregonian reported Aug. 17.In one ad, listeners hear two teenage girls trying to coax adults into buying beer for them at a liquor store. Two say no, but a third agrees to make the purchase.
"The third one in the script just says, 'Oh, you're looking to party,'" said Libby Hart, 16, a Newberg High School junior who helped produce the ad. "He's a younger adult who doesn't see the harm in it."
The ads are designed to educate the public about the dangerous combination of youth and alcohol. "We feel like this is an important step in raising awareness and in trying to change attitudes and behavior," said Barry Finnemore, spokesman for the Oregon Partnership, which is funding the campaign. "It's also an opportunity to work with youth who are talented and allow them to develop scripts with their own voices."
As part of the campaign, the Oregon Partnership is urging parents and caregivers to talk with youngsters about drinking. Finnemore said parents should set rules and expectations about their child's behavior and keep alcohol in a secure place.
COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE: