Safe Families Coalition holds contest to promote alcohol awareness

Newton - To help parents communicate with their children about alcohol, the Center for Prevention and Counseling’s Sussex County Coalition for Healthy and Safe Families is holding a public service announcement contest for Alcohol Awareness Month. The contest’s theme is, “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking,” and is targeted at parents to help them communicate with their children about the dangers of alcohol use. The theme is based on the nationwide “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking” town meeting project. “What parents may not realize is that children say that parental disapproval of underage drinking is the key reason they have chosen not to drink,” said Charles Curie of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. “Society gives children mixed messages about alcohol but by maintaining open communication and expressing a clear, consistent message about alcohol, parents can protect their children from the risks associated with drinking,” declared Becky Carlson, coordinator of the Sussex County Coalition for Healthy and Safe Families. Students in grades four through 12 are encouraged to think about how their parents have persuaded them not to drink, and create a poster or essay to go along with the theme, “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking.” Entries should be aimed at helping parents understand how they can talk to their children about alcohol. Entries should be submitted on 8 ½” x 11” white paper. Deadline for entries is March 17. For information and an entry form, call 973-383-4787. If You Enter The theme of the contest is “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking.” The contest is open to students in grades four through 12. Entries should be submitted on 8 ½” x 11” white paper no later than March 17.