Program warns teens of common dangers

Living in a beach town where house parties are the norm, sometimes teens aren’t involved in just one risky situation at a time.

A party where drugs and alcohol are available could also lead to a sexual assault or drunken driving.

You should be aware of and ready to deal with that kind of trouble, Newport Beach police and teen-safety experts told parents and students at the “Keep Your Teen Safe” program at Newport Harbor High on Wednesday night.

What did parents come to learn about? “Everything,” said Monica and Andrew Wood, parents of two high schoolers in the district.

During the three-hour event, parents and their kids learned about Internet safety, teen alcohol and drug abuse, teen suicide and depression and driving safety for kids newly behind the wheel.

“It’s so hard growing up a teen these days,” said Newport Beach Councilwoman Leslie Daigle, who was one of the forces behind getting this program to Newport-Mesa teens and parents. “There are so many things parents and teens need to know about.”

Joseph Porter, an Ensign Intermediate School seventh-grader, might sound like a typical kid when he says, “I kind of know most of [what the program was teaching],” but Joe added he was eager to find out more about how he can avoid drug and alcohol addiction.

The audience also heard a testimonial from David and Donna Sabet, whose daughter, Gillian, was killed in a car wreck going to prom a few years ago in Newport Beach. Gillian was packed into the back of the car with her boyfriend and four others. None wore seatbelts.

Their story, along with the speeches by the Newport Beach police officers, could possibly teach parents and teens a lesson.

“If we can reach even one teen with this, then it’s worth it,” Sgt. Evan Sailor said.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at [email protected].