The television show "GLEE," shown on the FOX Network, is a hugely successful show watched by millions of teens each week. Each week, the show has a theme surrounding the choral teacher and the incredibly talented high school students in his glee club. There are several great musical productions in each episode.  Recently, an episode of GLEE entitled "Blame it on the Alcohol" glamorized underage drinking and prompted local youth to action.  The CADY youth wrote a letter to FOX Broadcasting expressing their disappointment with FOX; instead of being part of the solution and utilizing this episode as a teachable moment on the harms of underage drinking, they became part of the problem.   When teens are vomiting from alcohol use they need to know that their bodies are responding to alcohol poisoning. Their bodies are trying to protect them from too much, possibly deadly amounts of alcohol they have consumed.  The CDC reports that 5,000 teens die every year from underage drinking. That's 12 American teens per day. It's time for us to tell our teens the truth and support it with science-based facts.

Following is the letter sent by our youth: 

Dear FOX Broadcasting Company:
We are a youth group of CADY, Inc. (Communities for Alcohol- and Drug-free Youth), and we wanted to express our concerns about the April 22, 2011 GLEE episode, "Blame it on the Alcohol."

Let us begin by saying we consider ourselves "GLEEks," and enjoy watching your show each week.  The "Blame it on the Alcohol" episode deeply disappointed us and we want to contact you regarding the mixed messages you sent to teenagers and children. 

Having a popular show that strongly influences its audience is a big responsibility.  You have the unique opportunity to influence and shape the actions of youth culture and actions.  In the past, GLEE has served as strong anti-bullying and gay rights' advocates - both add value in our society.  When we heard about the alcohol episode, we were hoping for another social issue spotlight about a dangerous teen behavior, but instead you created an illusion that underage drinking is a harmless rite of passage condoned by adults.   The message:  adults should allow teens to drink, and only "hope they are smart enough to make their own decision," as Coach Beast puts it.  Did you know that underage drinking kills more youth than all other illegal drugs combined?

As a youth group who advocates for Alcohol- and Drug-free lifestyles, we were disappointed in your handling of this subject matter.  Although you may consider Glee as a Prime-Time television show intended for adult audiences, the reality is that teenagers, pre-teens and yes, even elementary school age children are viewers.   You market this show to youth and its characters have become role models to children across the country.    Media has a responsibility to ensure the safety of children-not encourage dangerous behavior. 

 
We were also disturbed by the lack of adult accountability in the episode. Your writers made adults look irresponsible and un-educated about underage drinking.  Mr. Schuster was not concerned about his Glee Club's use of alcohol, and gave no response when students were debating him about use.  He completely overlooked their drinking in school and intoxication!
Rachael bringing a "concoction" of alcohol and cough medicine into school was outrageous.   Misuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs is a very dangerous new drug trend that is rising to epidemic proportions.  Instead of educating and being part of the solution-you are part of the problem.  The use of songs and dances only served to glamorize the issue.  And having Brittany say "Drink responsibly," when teenagers should not be drinking any alcohol at all is a very dangerous message.   Underage drinking is illegal because it's dangerous-you missed an opportunity.   If one of the kids passed out and was rushed to the hospital, this would have been a powerful learning opportunity.

"Blame it on the Alcohol," completely missed the mark.  Rachael's party happening during Alcohol Awareness Week was sad.     We are enclosing the story of a NH teen, Jason Goldner.   Jason's story, written by his dad, spotlights a real-world consequence and tragic ending that resulted from underage drinking.    We hope you will be part of the solution by airing a sequel that more accurately portrays the issue.

Sincerely,
Kelly Galleger, Ann Furbush, Kylee Julia, Devon Lachapelle, Sarah Lachapelle, Keagan Livingston, Kelsey Malm, Eli Mattrick, Monti McCoy, Jessie McDonough, Teagan Mosenthaul, Alisha Poissant, Thomas Ryan, Jr., Haley Sylvester, Lilly Vittum, Kelsey Wang 

The youth listed above are all leaders in the The Launch Youth Entrepreneurship Program and the CADY Youth Advocacy and Advisory Council.  

GLEE has provided an opportunity for more teachable moments. Take this opportunity to talk with the teens you love. Do it in the car or in the kitchen. Ask them about what they saw or what their friends are talking about.  Here are some ways to start the conversation.

* I've been hearing about a recent episode of GLEE. What have you heard about it?
* GLEE seemed to show some real mixed messages. What do you think?
* I'm concerned that GLEE may have made teen drinking look like its fun. I wish they had done a better job talking about the risks, which go way beyond drinking and driving. How do you think they could have sent a stronger message?
* What do you think would happen in our home if one of you kids did what those GLEE kids did? What do you think the school should have done?  

*Training for organizations on infant and early childhood mental health

*Assessment and referral for families with children 0-6

*Mental health services for families with children 0-6

To make a referral to the Step-by-Step program, contact Daryll Tenney at Genesis Behavioral Health, Plymouth

536-1118 ext. 219, fax 536-1028, email: dtenney@genesisbh.org

• The federal Drug Free Community Support program through SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
• The NH Department of Justice
• The NH Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Children, Youth and Families  
• Grafton County Social Services
• The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
• Towns of Alexandria, Bristol, Campton, Hebron, Holderness, Lincoln, Plymouth, Rumney, Waterville Valley, and Wentworth.
• Donations from many generous community members.