Millions of teens do it every year. No, it’s not homework or watching television, but underage drinking. According to the Opinion Research Corporation 9 in 10 teenagers say that drinking is not worth the risk. While 90% of students claim understand the risks of drinking after taking numerous health classes, they still choose to do it every year. It seems as if underage drinking has become a rite of passage, and an escape from the difficulties of being a teenager. With a growing number of teens drinking, Hackley’s students not only need to understand the health risks behind drinking, but also the consequences that come with such actions.

Plain and simple, the use or possession of alcoholic beverages in the buildings of the Hackley, on Hackley grounds, on school buses, at school-related events, or on school-related trips is prohibited. For example, if there is a Hackley trip to a country where underage students can drink, drinking is still prohibited. This rule is put in place for a reason. Even when school is not in session students are responsible for their own behavior.

Disobeying Hackley’s rules regarding alcohol can lead to severe punishments, including dismissal or withdrawal if one intentionally ignores the rules. However, Hackley has a medical amnesty policy.

The handbook states: “Voluntary admission of substance abuse problems will be treated as a matter for medical intervention and counseling rather than discipline.” This is to prevent students from being afraid to receive help if they have a problem. The school, in partnership with parents and friends, will try to asses the problem. This is not, however, a get-out-of-jail-free-card. Future violation will lead to disciplinary action. This is also the case for illegal drugs.

While Hackley can monitor students at school and at school related events, they cannot supervise students outside of school. Parents are often an influential factor in whether students drink or not. According to the law, parents and guardians are permitted to serve alcohol to their own children under the age of 21.  It is illegal, however, under Penal Law Section 260.20 to serve alcohol to other children under 21 years of age. Therefore, parents are responsible for student drinking at high school parties. The handbook states that: “A parent’s or guardian’s failure to do so (abide by Penal Law) may result in a withholding of their child’s re-enrollment contract for the succeeding year, or dismissal of the child from Hackley School.”

Students who participate in under age drinking also risk serious medical consequences. If a student drinks too much they may get alcohol poisoning. Some symptoms of alcohol abuse include: vomiting, unconsciousness, blue skin, slow breathing, and seizures. If a student is under age he or she should not be afraid to receive help. It is always in the student’s best interest to have a mature adult like a parent be present to help in situations like this. Many student are afraid of taking such action because they fear the consequences, but safety must always be the first priority.

In a conversation with upper schoolers following the announcement of a sex scandal, Headmaster Walter Johnson said that along with educating its students, one of Hackley’s priorities is the safety of its students. Enforcing its rules about drinking helps to ensure the safety of its students.