The Simi Valley Coalition needs your help in keeping Simi Valley a safe and
healthy place for families. The coalition is working hard to prevent
under-age drinking; through support of the social host ordinance, retailer
education programs and prevention education for parents on the dangers of
alcohol.
Here is how you can help keep children and teens in Simi Valley safe:
- Support Law Enforcement by calling to report illegal activities where underage drinking is involved and increasing awareness of current laws that hold those who host underage drinking parties responsible (whether adult or youth), or those adults who furnish alcohol to underage drinkers,
- Retailer Education - Better ID checking by retail clerks and strategic in-store placement of alcohol that prevents easy theft by young people,
- As Parents - Don't let your child or their friends drink alcohol ... period. Set consistent no-use rules for youth, including more parents who clearly state and enforce a "zero tolerance" policy for under 21 children, and
- As Community Members, be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy or dangerous alcohol or other drug practices.
Facts every Simi Valley parent should know
Alcohol use rates among Ventura County youth are higher than
The state average; the East County has the highest rates in the
entire county. (63.9% reported alcohol use in the last 30 days)
70% of all sexual assaults against minors in Ventura County involve alcohol.
73% of Simi Valley teens reported that they had seen under-age drinking at their school.
If you take your first drink by age 15, you are five times more likely to have a substance abuse problem later in life.
86% of Ventura County's younger DUI offenders consumed alcohol in a private residence prior to arrest.
Alcohol contributes to youth suicides, homicides and fatal injuries, and is 2nd only to auto crashes as the leading cause of death among youth.
59% of Simi Valley teens surveyed in 2007 reported they heard of 3 or more parties each week; 91% reported that alcohol was present at all parties they attended.
Statistics from Ventura County Limits Research Study, 2005 California Healthy Kids Survey and Coalition for Simi Valley Youth Teen Survey 2007