Lehigh Valley Principal Urges Parents To Stop Giving Children Alcohol

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (CBS) – In a message through a local high schools PTO newsletter, the principal of Freedom High School urged parents to stop providing kids with alcohol.

Principal Michael LaPorta wrote the message, The Elephant in the Room, after speaking with school officials, students and parents and learning that older siblings and friends, relatives and parents were supplying students in his school with alcohol.

The article says in part:

"As Principal of Freedom High School and as a parent of a Freedom High School student, I feel compelled to expose 'The Elephant in the Room.' I implore all of our parents to use common sense, good judgment, and be responsible parents to their children and their guests. To those who do, quit supplying alcohol
to kids! Please don't be that parent who says, 'I will collect all of your keys and nothing will happen.' That is what the Saucon Valley family said back in 1986. If you are planning to be away from your home for an extended period of time, please have a plan of supervision for your children if you are leaving them home alone. Have the courage to stand up to your children and say NO! Nobody said parenting would be easy. This is one of those times. If you are tempted to allow an underage drinking party, please know you run the risk of destroying your family, the families of others, going to jail, and being sued."

He goes on to say how one of his greatest fears is to make a morning announcement that one his student's is gone.

LaPorta urged parents to stand up to their children, report if they know a child struggling with alcohol or drug use and told "elephants" who disagreed with his article to "get your head out of the sand."

To see the full article visit: www-fhs.beth.k12.pa.us.