Distracted driving, underage drinking focus of parent meeting ahead of prom night

LEOMINSTER, Mass. — School officials held a mandatory meeting on Wednesday night for parents to raise awareness of distracted driving, and the legal ramifications of hosting parties for kids.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early told Boston 25 News that with prom season ahead, he's visited some high schools in the county to explain to parents the serious consequences for providing alcohol to teens.

"That’s the night where people really let their hair down and there’s a great potential for disaster," Early said.

Early addressed a room full of high school parents just weeks before junior and senior prom.

"If we can walk away with any positive information to share with our kids and make sure they're healthy and have a safe night, I think it’s always a benefit," said parent Ron Valleey.

The meeting was mandatory for all parents of upperclassmen, and it's the first time Leominster High School has done so.

"We know more about addiction. We know more about safety, and it’s time really step up and protect our kids," said Catherine Gaudet of Leominster Public Schools.

Early explained the severity of social host liability: the serious consequences a parent will face if they provide alcohol to teens or provide a space for consumption.

"A lot of parents think it’s OK to have a pre-prom and post prom party and provide alcohol, and it’s illegal. Bottom line is drinking age is 21," Early said.

Parents also heard from a local mother whose family fell victim to a drunk driver.

Lisa Brodeur lost her husband and nearly lost her son in a tragic accident nearly a decade ago.

School officials say bottom line, they will not tolerate any form of alcohol or drug use on prom night.

"We don’t want them to be impaired period, it goes beyond taking away the keys and Uber, we really don’t want the kids to be under the influence of any alcohol or substances," said Gaudet.

Early said he will continue to raise awareness at schools in Worcester County in hopes that parents and students will make sound decisions.

Cox Media Group