Plan it Well: Understand the need for supervision
Why would you allow your teens to attend an unsupervised activity at any other time of the year and not mind during spring break?
Be aware: Understand the Law
Alcohol is the drug most frequently used by American teenagers. It is consumed more frequently than all other illicit drugs combined and is the drug most likely to be associated with injury or death. It is a crime to drink alcohol under the age of 21 in Michigan.
Teenagers today have a minefield of risky behaviors to navigate— Drugs, Drinking, Tobacco, Sex.
Risky Behavior tends to increase amongst Teens while on Spring Break.
FACTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES!! 
Recent surveys show that among the nation’s 12 – 17 year olds, each day:
•3,430 try marijuana for the first time
•7,500 try alcohol
•3,900 try cigarettes
•More than 4 in 10 adolescents have been offered drugs
In a typical high school class of 30 teens in America today, the number of students engaging in risky behaviors is staggering:
•7 out of 30 kids are using drugs; 13 drink alcohol; 6 smoke cigarettes
•10 out of 30 are sexually active
•1 in 4 teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease
•1 in 5 teenage girls has at least 1 pregnancy before age 20
•There are over 20,000 teenage pregnancies a year in Michigan and 1 in 3 end in abortion
•76% of reported Chlamydia cases in Michigan are teens – 30% boys, 46% girls
•Many adolescents have STI's that don't cause symptoms but are highly contagious
These statistics are concerning and show the need for supervision. Teens need clear rules for safety and guidance and need to understand the consequences of their actions. Spring break activities should, and can be fun, healthy, responsible and safe.
Be safe! Be healthy! Be responsible! Have fun!
Copyright © 2010 Rochester / Auburn Hills Community Coalition
