"It takes a village to raise a child."

-- African proverb

Chapel Hill is a unique place. Enjoying a large, youthful, permanent resident population (over 50 percent of our population is 24 or younger), we are also home to a large, underage university population.

While the university population is typically associated with abusive drinking, on average, a child consumes his first standard drink of alcohol at age 12. Seventh and eighth grades are peak years for alcohol introduction. Early childhood drinking is a statistical harbinger for long-term abusive drinking.

Sadly, research finds the majority (53 percent) of the nation's alcoholics are young people, age 26 or less, and many are teens.

A complex problem, there is neither a single cause nor simple solution. Responsibility for this public health crisis involves many contributing factors. But the legacy of our long-term neglect is that many of our "best and brightest" leave this community already compromised by alcohol.

Parents and other adults share much responsibility, from those who provide alcohol to children to others who simply ignore its threat. Separate studies conclude that children raised in drinking-tolerant homes are more likely to engage in excessive drinking as university students. Parental attitudes and drinking habits are influential factors.

Cultural myths about teen drinking hinder prevention efforts. The alcohol industry, spending billions with relentless consumption messaging, is a key contributor. Surveys find that teens are influenced by their advertising to make bad choices regarding alcohol use.

With limited support from local officials, town sponsorship or enabling of alcohol-fueled events enhance this health threat. Irresponsible, over-serving bar operators contribute their share.

Though going in the reverse direction among non-students, abusive drinking is uniquely a long-standing problem of university culture.

Most of our national resources (enforcement and prevention) are committed to the other "war" on drugs. Yet, alcohol, America's biggest drug problem, is the drug of choice of teens and young adults.

Teen developmental immaturity is an important factor. A 10-year Temple University study concludes that education does little to prevent teen drinking. Finding that children receive extensive education about alcohol, this problem is one of slower brain development of that portion making this information useful. Like a "fast car with a poor brake system," says study author, renowned adolescent psychologist Laurence Steinberg.

Easy access to alcohol adds to the problem.

The Coalition for Alcohol and Drug Free Teenagers has been a catalyst for community change. But more active and supportive leadership is needed from town and university leaders. Forming an active community effort to address all levels of underage drinking is a must. The time has come to unite coalition, town and university leadership into a collaborative partnership to aggressively address all underage drinking in our community.

We all share an interest in raising healthy children and have a vested stake in the outcome. We must abandon outdated health notions and social myths that serve only the financial interests of the alcohol industry, and, instead, make responsible adult decisions that protect the health and welfare of our young people.

What is our village doing to prevent underage drinking?

Ronald E. Bogle is a retired Superior Court judge and works with the Coalition for Alcohol and Drug Free Teenagers.