DAPHNE, Ala.— Nearly 200 people at a Community of Concern meeting Tuesday gathered at Bayside Academy to learn about the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. 

Substance abuse among teenagers can carry stiff penalties. Driving under the influence can cause wrecks that, even if unfatal, can result in thousands of dollars in damage; drug use can negatively affect grades; and illegally using alcohol products or drugs can cost kids their keys.

A minor charged with the purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol risks a suspended or revoked driver’s license for three to six months.

Parents can be penalized, too.

The Open House Party Law threatens civil liability and criminal consequences for any adult in control of the premises where minors have access to alcohol and other drugs. Adult violators face a Class B misdemeanor. If the minor is a student, an education statute makes it a felony.

Joyce Dyas, a COC member, was arrested under the law when around 200 kids snuck illegal products onto her wharf during one of her child’s parties.

“I made one bad decision after another by not reaching out for help,” she said.

Dyas recommended several measures that can help parents get a better idea of what their children are doing, and where they are doing it.

“Have them send you pictures or videos from their cell phones—proof that they are where they say they are,” she said.

Dyas warned that many popular Web sites sell fake IDs, so she sometimes feels the need to check her children’s wallets.

Adults and teens should heed the law, because the Daphne Police Department will be watching.

The department often uses informants and sting operations, according to police Lt. Jud Beedy, who said lawmen track the latest trends.

“Alcohol isn’t the only thing the kids are doing anymore,” he said. “We have seen a rise in pill-parties, where each person steals two or three pills from a medicine cabinet, mixes the pills at the party, so that they don’t even know what they’re taking.

Tom Johnson, Bayside headmaster, said communication is important, and implied that an earlier curfew might curtail some hijinks.

“Remember the Cinderella rule: Nothing good happens after midnight,” he said.

The next Community of Concern parent information meeting is set for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 in the UMS-Wright auditorium in Mobile.

The Community of Concern, a grassroots effort, provides current facts and information, tools and a growing partnership among students, parents, schools and other organizations with the goal to keep kids alcohol- and drug-free.

Five schools—Bayside Academy, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, St. Luke’s Episcopal School, St. Paul’s Episcopal School and UMS-Wright Preparatory School—have joined together for this effort, according to a news release. 

Other groups may join the effort.

For more information call Jean Downing, Drug Education Council, 251-478-7855 or 251-490-6787.