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"Safe Grad" my drunk ass.
As high school graduation approaches, some people are asking what's safe about "safe grad" parties.
"Having 10 drinks in one evening would not be safe for many," said Colleen Dell, research chair in substance abuse in the sociology department at the University of Saskatchewan.
Next weekend, some parents of Lanigan Central High School graduates will host a "safe grad" party at an undisclosed location. Graduates planning to attend the Saturday night drinking party had to submit a form signed by their parents in advance of the party. The graduates had to pre-order and pre-pay for the alcohol they'll drink during the 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. party. Graduates and their guests, who have to be in Grade 10 or higher, will be allowed up to 10 drinks, including beer, vodka, rum and rye.
"That boggles the mind," said Diane Fontaine, president of the Saskatoon and area Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "It's pretty scary."
Having that many alcoholic drinks at one time is considered binge drinking, says Dell, who added the definition of binge drinking is five or more drinks.
"The idea of safe grad is around drinking and driving and keeping people alive," she said.
"Is that really the goal we want for our kids -- is to simply keep them alive?"
She worries the party will be the start of a drinking pattern that continues through the summer. The dangers of binge drinking include alcohol poisoning, violence and unprotected sex.
Coralea MacDonald, whose daughter will not be attending the party even though she is graduating, was surprised to learn of the "safe grad."
"It's illegal for anyone under 19 to drink alcohol," she said. "How can we do something illegal legally?"
Police are aware that "safe grad" parties happen in communities throughout Saskatchewan.
"The model that I'm referring to talks about where there is a parent or guardian on-site and they are making a decision, as the parent or guardian, for their child, in terms of whether or not they are going to provide them alcoholic beverages at that specific time, in that specific location, at a private place," explained RCMP Sgt. Brian Jones.
"It is an arrangement between private property owners and parents and guardians of those people in attendance. It's a private function on private land. Whether it's a good idea or not is not for us to decide," he said.
Allowing the graduates to drink large quan ies of alcohol, even if they aren't driving, sets a bad example, says Fontaine, who adds MADD promotes drinking responsibly, which means adults drinking moderate amounts and then not driving.
"We don't like 'safe grads' because there is still drinking and it encourages underage drinking," said Fontaine.
MacDonald is disappointed parents are organizing the drinking party.
"As adults, I don't think we should say, 'Go for it and we'll watch you get drunk.'
"We're not trying to ruin everyone's fun," said MacDonald, who wishes the teenagers could celebrate their graduation without having to drink alcohol.
Officially, Lanigan graduates will celebrate with a ceremony and dinner on June 12, the day before the "safe grad." The school staff members are not involved in the "safe grad," says Ken Sogge, communications director for Horizon school division.
"They are illegal," he said in an interview.
"If parents choose that that's how they are going to celebrate the graduation of their child or their student, there's really nothing anybody can do about it."
One of the parents involved in the "safe grad" had no comment when contacted by The StarPhoenix and said none of the parent organizers wanted to be interviewed about the party.
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/T...392/story.html
"Safe Grad" my drunk ass.
Only 10 ....
Whatever happened to the days of you graduate, you spend some time with the family, get money from the relatives then go out and get faced?
Well, assuming that the parents are paying attention its safer than 10 drinks without any supervision.... And 10 drinks over a 4 hour time period isn't terrible... 10 drinks over an hour, thats pretty danged dangerous.
Parents just can't do things like that!
Will they be passing out condoms too and limit it to one booty call?
I saw my nephew graduate Friday night, and there was alot of whispering going on like "Where's the party"?Whatever happened to the days of you graduate, you spend some time with the family, get money from the relatives then go out and get faced?
And if they do? Parents can do what they want like that, assuming they don't endanger any kids. Its not like they are setting a 10 drink minimum. And don't tell me that just having the party is endangering their kids, because its not. Something like this can be executed in a careful and safe way, that allows the kids to have fun. It can also go wrong, but chances are that it will be way safer then the kids just going and getting wasted on their own (which speaking from experience, will happen).
My bad. Our daycare center had a parent supervised trip to the beach for our end of the year celebration.
What a bag
Are there any "dry" HS graduation parties?
Probably the ones that graduate from Christian schools.
Pffft, you'd be surprised. Those are the quiet "wild ones".Probably the ones that graduate from Christian schools.
Heh... yeah... its fun to get daddy's little pen raised child out for a night on the town.Pffft, you'd be surprised. Those are the quiet "wild ones".
Yup.Pffft, you'd be surprised. Those are the quiet "wild ones".
Not that I would know anything about that.
That's the most horrible idea I've ever heard of. After 6 drinks (sometimes less), I'm usually faced, falling down, etc. The few times I've had 10 drinks in one night, I threw up all morning and had a hangover for half the day. And I am 24 years old (female). Some of these kids have never drank before, some of them may be taking medication that doesn't mix with alcohol, etc. The 10 drink rule must have been made up by an alcoholic who needs 20 drinks to feel buzzed.
I sure wouldn't want my daughter to attend.
it's a good idea.
I understand the reasoning for it but I would never hold a party like that. No way.
I remember the good ole 18 was legal days and didn't have to worry about this !
I'd put a 40 ouncer limit.
I do not think it is legal for anyone other than that child's parent to distribute alcohol to a minor- with or without a permission slip. It sounds more to me like someone is making money off of it.
I'd much rather have my hypothetical child in a controlled environment at a location of my knowing, and coming home at a prescheduled time, than having them lie to me about going over to a friend's house for cake and ice cream while they're really getting drunk and getting finger ed in a bathroom.
I'm assuming this "party" will be supervised by competent adults, which would make it all the more appealing to me.
Yeah, I hear that argument quite a bit. Same with "I'd rather have my children having sex in my home" rather than getting banged in the back seat. But it is easier when you have a "hypothetical" child.
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