Helping your Student be Successful

According to research, when a child decides whether or not to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, a crucial consideration is: What will my parents think? We urge you to take a few moments to directly, openly, and honestly let your children know how you feel about these issues. As the new school year begins, college students will be invited to attend parties and other events. Please make sure your sons and daughters are aware of the following:

1. It is risky to drink any beverages out of open containers. There is no way of knowing the level of alcohol or other chemicals that may be in the drink.
2. Be careful never to leave your drink unattended.
3. Attend events in a group, stay with the group and leave with the same group.
4. The lowest risk is to not drink alcohol and bring your own beverage.
5. The more students drink alcohol, in frequency and amount, the lower their probability of academic success.
6. Most Binghamton students consume alcohol infrequently and moderately if they drink it at all; about 20% of BU students do not drink any alcohol.