The Groton Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and the Ledyard Safe Teens Coalition on Thursday reminded parents not to host or allow their children to attend underage drinking parties.

The two groups, coordinated by Ledge Light Health District, have been working in the community for several years to prevent underage drinking through policy, education and environmental strategies.

“We know more now about the harms of underage drinking on the developing brain," Carolyn Wilson, coalition coordinator and health program coordinator at Ledge Light, said in a news release. "Most people don’t know the brain develops until age 25. We want our youth to protect themselves and their bright futures. You can have fun and make great memories with your friends without drugs and alcohol.”

As an alternative to parties with alcohol, many local schools host drug and alcohol free graduation parties every year.

 “A lot goes into planning these events for our seniors," said Deborah Johnson, a Groton parent and member of the council. "Parent volunteers and community members and local businesses fundraise all year so we can provide a fun and safe party for the kids. Parents don’t have to worry about what their child is doing, because they know where they are.”

The coalition also reminded adults about the legal ramifications of serving alcohol to minors.

The state's Social Host Law prohibits anyone who owns or controls private property, including a dwelling unit, from recklessly, or with criminal negligence, permitting anyone under age 21 to possess alcohol in the unit or on the property. Existing law prohibits knowingly allowing such possession.

The law also requires that anyone who knows that minors possess alcohol illegally to make reasonable efforts to stop them. A violation is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum one year imprisonment or up to a $2,000 fine.

 “Some parents think “kids will be kids” and turn their heads to what’s going on at a party in their home," Wilson said. "We’d like to remind everyone of the risks of doing this. Parents can find great tips for hosting teen parties on bethewall.org.”

Law enforcement works closely with the coalitions to provide support around this busy party season, the news release said.

“The Ledyard Police Department takes underage drinking violations very seriously," said Ledyard Police Lt. Ken Creutz.

The younger a person is when he or she starts using alcohol or drugs, the greater the risk of alcohol problems later in life.

"The Ledyard Police Department will continue to actively enforce underage drinking laws, including through compliance checks and DUI enforcement. We encourage parents to play a role in preventing underage alcohol use.

"Communicate the negative effects of alcohol as well as what you expect from your child," he added. "Establish curfews, monitor your child’s activities and clearly communicate your expectation of no alcohol use under 21. I also encourage the use of social media to reach out to other parents in the community to keep each other up-to-date on plans.”

Ledyard and Groton both have party patrol hotlines to report underage drinking parties. In Groton, the number is (860) 445-5291 and in Ledyard the number is (860) 464-7233. The community is urged to report any suspected underage drinking to the police.