Blodgett teams up with local officials to combat teenage prom drinking

LYNN – If you have teens and live in Essex County, look out for a letter sent to parents by Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett warning about the dangers of teenage drinking as prom season approaches.”These joyful occasions should not be marred by senseless tragedies,” Blodgett said. “Alcohol is the leading cause of death among people under 21 and kills more kids than all other illicit drugs combined.”With prom and graduation season approaching, Blodgett is teaming up with schools, police and parents in an effort to curb underage drinking.”These deaths are not just the result of motor vehicle accidents, but of alcohol poisoning, drowning, falls and other types of incidents,” Blodgett said. “In addition, underage drinkers are more likely to be victims of rape or physical assaults.”Blodgett, police chiefs, superintendents and school principals are in the process of sending letters to the parents of high school juniors and seniors outlining the major roles mothers, fathers and guardians have in helping their children make good decisions to keep them safe.Included in the mailings is a brochure about social host liability and a flyer with suggestions for parents to help them talk with their children about making wise choices.”Research shows that a parent’s influence is the primary reason that teens do not use alcohol or drugs,” Blodgett said. “This is such a happy and important time in their lives. Working together, we can make this prom and graduation season safe for all of our children.”