How to Talk About the Dangers of Drinking With Your Incoming College Freshman in Columbia, MO

Make Sure Your Child Is Prepared for Their First Year of College & Prevent Them From Needing an MIP Attorney in Mid-MO

The switch from high school to university is such a formative time for your children, and they will be given a new sense of independence with this lifestyle change. However, this is also an important time to teach them about responsibility as they enter adulthood. You should arrange a face-to-face talk with your incoming college freshman about a variety of topics, including substance abuse, Title IX offenses, and one of the most common problems, drinking under the legal age of 21. Getting caught with alcohol as a minor has devastating repercussions in Columbia, MO, and the consequences are even more severe if it’s a DUI. Before you help them pack their belongings and drop them off at their dorms, follow these tips and start a mature discussion with your child about the risks of alcohol.   

Research the university your child will be attending & keep them informed on policies for drinking on campus 

The Columbia, MO area is recognized as a college town–the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College all have dry campuses, meaning the possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited. The policies and their punishments may vary from one university to another, so you must seek out the information and share it with your incoming college freshman. In 2024, the Missouri Department of Mental Health found that lifetime alcohol use was lower than national rates among the 6th to 12th grade demographic, highlighting the incentive to be careful. Having these kinds of facts ready beforehand will be helpful when explaining the effects of underage alcoholism to your child.

Teach them about safer, lower-risk drinking in Columbia, MO 

It’s most important to let your children know that any form of underage drinking puts them at risk, but it can also be essential to teach them discernment for situations like parties. Lower-risk drinking behaviors include limiting your alcohol intake, eating a meal before a night out, travelling with friends, and having a plan to arrive home safely. You should also teach your child to use their instincts and learn everything about the location of parties, gatherings, or events in Columbia, MO. The best lesson for them to understand is that waiting until they are 21 years old will be the wisest decision for their future. 

Be honest & open while discussing Missouri’s underage drinking laws with your child

The topic of alcohol and substance use can be sensitive, and this is emphasized during a time of change for your incoming college student. They probably have a lot on their mind, and this is a conversation that shouldn’t have any distractions. You need to be present in the discussion, receptive to their emotions, and keep a non-judgmental approach as you offer advice. Set aside a time for you and your child to speak in-depth about alcohol before their move-in day. 

Educate about the serious legal consequences that come with alcohol-related charges in Columbia, MO

Just because a crime happens often doesn’t mean the outcome is any less impactful on your child’s life. One mark on their criminal record could prohibit them from getting the best scholarships, receiving acceptance letters from schools, and participating in extracurricular clubs or activities. It can even affect them in adulthood when they start applying for certain jobs–many employers will not trust people who have been convicted of driving under the influence or carrying a fake ID. With Missouri’s Abuse and Lose laws, a minor can also have their license suspended or revoked, limiting their driving privileges while staying away from home. Make sure you are educated on these state laws before communicating with your child.

Stay in touch with your child once they have started attending college in mid-Missouri

College is a first-time occasion for your incoming freshman, and like anything that starts unknown, it can bring feelings of anxiety. Whether you’re sending text messages or hopping on calls, checking in on your child can help them find comfort and reassurance. During a vulnerable time and in an environment where other students are drinking, it is not uncommon for minors to give in to peer pressure. Ask them how they are adjusting after a few weeks of the semester and take an interest in details such as their roommates, classes, and other aspects of their experience. You can also schedule visits to campus for special events like Homecoming or Family Weekend.

What to do next if your college student is arrested for an alcohol-related offense in Columbia, MO 

If you’ve received news that your child has been charged with a fake ID, minor in possession, or a DWI in Boone County, your first step is to find an attorney who can take their case and advocate in their defense. From a class A misdemeanor to a felony, these consequences mustn’t be approached without a legal team. Search for a firm with decades of practice in Missouri’s criminal laws, as it will have the most information tailored to your situation. A criminal defense attorney at Haden & Colbert will fight aggressively in court to negotiate a solution, reducing or expunging your child’s conviction in Columbia, MO. 

Keep Your Child & Their Education Protected With a Criminal Defense Attorney Like Haden & Colbert in Columbia, MO. Contact Us & Start Your Fake ID, Minor in Possession or DUI Case 

Have support for your child through a difficult time and give them the confidence to navigate their education safely. If they are in the middle of facing an alcohol-related charge, you can take care by appointing an astute lawyer from Haden & Colbert. We have served over 2,000 criminal cases in Columbia, MO, and our attorneys are ready to meet with you and your child for your first consultation.