The Dangers of Drinking and Taking Photos

There seems to be a disturbing trend in high schools across the U.S. of teens posting drunk photos of each other on Facebook.com. Most people are concerned with the obvious problem of teens drinking. I imagine a lot of the parents are going with the, "You want to end up like Hasselhoff?" argument to get them to stop drinking, but I believe they should think about it a different way. They already know their kid is a hopeless teen drunk, so why not talk to them about why the hell they posted photos of themselves drinking online?

The parents need to sit their kids down and explain to them the process of covering up illegal and/or immoral activities, especially during the teen years. The kids that nobody thinks are drinking are probably the biggest lushes, but they are smart enough to not take photos of themselves partying it up. They know the ins and outs of playing it cool and these Facebook kids need to learn this skill and learn it quickly.

Here's a little bit of what I'm thinking about:

Parent: "Son, we know you've been drinking. We, your principle, and the world saw the photos online. We want your camera. Hand it over young man! We are really disappointed in your cavalier attitude about cameras. It's about time you understand how to be a man, no more photos for you."

Stupid Teen Photographer: "Awe, come on, you can't take my camera away. Every kid has a camera. The other kids will make fun of me."

Parent: "Sorry son, you had your chance. Your mother and I are very sad that it has come to this, but we just don't think you are responsible enough to handle a camera. Someday, you will be, but not right now."

Stupid Teen Photographer: "Fine, but I'm never going to forgive you for this..."

Parent: "It's for the best and someday you will see."

I realize teens want their friends and others to see how "cool" they are, but at what expense? If they feel the need to do some serious drinking, for god sakes, don't post photos of it online for the world, and their principle, to see. Parents, please explain this to your kids. I'm sick of reading about them being suspended for posting drunk photos online. And Facebook.com does not need anymore publicity.

Read about the latest Stupid Teen Photographers from Minnesota at StarTribune.com