Avoiding Underage Drinking

Trumbull's often-replicated underage drinking forum for ninth-graders will be Nov. 12.

The title of the 7 p.m. forum at Trumbull High School will be "Choices Have Consequences."

"Innovative, comprehensive approaches to prevent underage drinking such as this Forum are showing success in reducing experimentation with alcohol in Trumbull," said Mary Isaac, member of the Trumbull Partnership Against Underage Drinking.

 “Community education and outreach efforts by  (TPAUD) and the anonymous TipsLine,* implemented by the Trumbull Police Department and funded and publicized  by TPAUD, are helping to reduce opportunities for and community tolerance of underage drinking,” said Police Chief Thomas Kiely. 

More than 1,000 students and their parents attend the Forum each year and learn about the physical, emotional, social, and legal consequences of underage drinking, as well as avoidance strategies that they can use. The Forum also educates about Connecticut’s Social Host law, which was expanded in 2012 to significantly increase the penalties for adults who provide a place for teens to drink.

This year, in response to attendee feedback, the Forum will also highlight the risks and consequences of teens using marijuana and prescription drugs.  

“We hope that the Forum helps parents and teens understand that underage drinking is not just a ‘rite of passage’, and the many reasons why the majority of Trumbull kids choose not to drink or do drugs. The Forum is designed to start the conversation in families about how teens can make good choices,” said Melissa McGarry, TPAUD Coordinator for the Trumbull Public Schools. 

This year’s speakers will include Officer Tim Fedor, Trumbull Police; Audrey Felsen and Thomas Tesoro, Attorneys; Dr. Gary Kaml, Trauma Physician at Yale School of Medicine; William Mecca, Trumbull High School Crisis Intervention Specialist; Melissa McGarry, TPAUD Coordinator, and those sharing personal stories.

If you know of any underage drinking parties, text the Anonymous Trumbull Underage Drinking TipsLine @ 274637 (CRIMES)  In your message, type TRPD and the specific location of concern.