Los Gatos tests if parental accountability can prevent teen alcohol use

Introduction

Los Gatos made headlines in 2020 when “Party Mom” Shannon O’Connor was arrested for hosting alcohol-filled parties for her teenage son and his friends. While her trial is ongoing, the town of Los Gatos has implemented a social host ordinance to address underage drinking and its consequences.

Social Host Ordinance

The social host ordinance in Los Gatos fines adults for parties at their house where underage youth have access to alcohol, regardless of whether the parents are present. Since its implementation, there have been at least three social host violations in Los Gatos. This ordinance aims to hold parents accountable and discourage underage drinking.

Holding Parents Accountable

There is a misconception among parents that teenagers are going to drink no matter what, and they would rather have them do it under their own roof with supervision. However, research shows that teens who were allowed to drink underage are more likely to engage in risky and excessive drinking later on. A study found that minors who attended parties where parents supplied alcohol were more at risk for heavy drinking, alcohol-related problems, and drinking and driving. In contrast, a 2021 study of 24 California cities found that minors who lived in cities with social host ordinances drank less at home than minors in cities without these ordinances.

The Montana Institute

In addition to the social host ordinance, Los Gatos Union School District and the town partnered with the Montana Institute to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage teen drinking through a Positive Community Norms committee. The institute focuses on elevating and normalizing students’ healthy habits and correcting misconceptions about alcohol consumption. Nationwide statistics showed that Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District students consumed alcohol and drugs at a disproportionately higher rate than neighboring schools. By emphasizing the majority of students who choose not to drink, the institute aims to change behavior and reduce teen drinking.

Conclusion

The social host ordinance in Los Gatos and the partnership with the Montana Institute demonstrate the town’s commitment to preventing underage drinking. By holding parents accountable and promoting positive community norms, Los Gatos aims to create a safer environment for its youth.

About the Author

Hannah Kanik is a Bay Area News Group reporter covering Santa Clara County’s West Valley for The Mercury News, East Bay Times, The Los Gatos Weekly, and The Saratoga News. She has experience in journalism and political science.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
   • Indicator: Number of social host ordinances enacted and enforced to prevent underage drinking

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles
   • Indicator: Percentage of students who believe most other students are using alcohol regularly

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

– Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

– Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators are:

– Number of social host ordinances enacted and enforced to prevent underage drinking (related to Target 3.5)

– Percentage of students who believe most other students are using alcohol regularly (related to Target 4.7)

The article mentions that the Town of Los Gatos enacted a social host ordinance that fines adults for parties at their house where underage youth have access to alcohol. This indicates progress towards Target 3.5. Additionally, a study found that minors who lived in cities with social host ordinances drank less at home than minors in cities without these ordinances, further supporting the relevance of this indicator.

The article also discusses the work of the Montana Institute in promoting healthy lifestyles and discouraging teen drinking through a Positive Community Norms committee. The institute conducts surveys to measure how students’ assumptions about their peers’ alcohol consumption change, which can be used as an indicator for progress towards Target 4.7.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: mercurynews.com

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