Orange County teens to stage ‘Reality Party’ to spotlight the dangers of underage drinking

Local prevention organizations are joining forces to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking by staging a “Reality Party for Parents” in Lake Forest this Saturday.

Teen actors from the Santiago de Compostela Church Youth Ministry’s Friday Night Live chapter plan to portray typical party scenes exposing the perils of underage alcohol consumption, as well as the culture of binge-drinking. Participants will also voice concerns about adults who host drinking parties for minors.

Saturday’s event is the result of a partnership that includes the Orange County Department of Education, the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence – Orange County, the California Highway Patrol and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Five “party tours” will be conducted from 3 to 7 p.m., and each will be followed by a debrief discussion, allowing parents to talk about what they observed and share ideas for change within their families and communities.

This free event is open to parents of middle and high school students. Space is limited, and participants are encouraged to register online at www.santiagoym.org.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug for young people in the United States. It’s also responsible for more than 4,300 underage fatalities a year.