Underage drinking on campus is made possible through a variety of sources, including parents.
Though it is legal for underage students to consume alcohol in the presence of their parents, The Miami Student editorial board believes responsibility of both parties is key.
College is associated with a culture of drinking, and parents should be aware of this culture but also explain to their children what is healthy, legal and appropriate.
There is a definite distinction between parents teaching their young adults to be accountable with alcohol and parents coming to campus to get drunk with their children.
Parents should set positive role models for responsible drinking, and find the fine line between ignoring the topic of drinking and trying to be the "cool" parents who "party hard" with their kid.
Parents should feel comfortable discussing alcohol with students and helping young adults understand how to drink responsibly, without condoning inappropriate behavior as well as without condemning drinking as taboo.
They are still authority figures for their students and should act accordingly in order to remind students being reckless with alcohol will result in consequences with the law and at home.
Ultimately, with or without their parents' involvement or lessons, students are responsible for their actions and decisions.
Students should handle their drinking habits in a way that would reflect well on themselves and their parents, regardless of where their alcohol is coming from.
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