This is just insane. Of the 40 percent who got alcohol from an adult, one in 16 got it from their parents! What parent in their right mind would give their teen alcohol. I've read too many stories about underage DUIs and drunk drivers -- how irresponsible. (OK, I'll get off my soap box now.)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25372396/

I have mixed feelings on this. While yes, parents shouldn't encourage drinking in the kids, I also think that if a teen wants to drink he/she will find a way to do it.
IMO, I would rather have my teen drinking under my supervision that with a bunch of friend and who knows what can happen. At least when they are with me, I can control the amount they are getting and not allow them to get out of hand, and I know they will not be with anyone I don't approve of and/or doing things that would risk themselved in anyway.
It doesn't mean I would have a party house either, I would just use it like all other things in life, a way to teach them responsible drinking. After all, they will turn into adults, leave the house and if they don't know how to drink responsibly, they will learn the hard way in life. I don't want that for my kids.
I grew up in the woods out here and I know firsthand if a teen wants to do something he/she will find a way to do it.

First of all I agree...we can't 'control' our teens actions. One important factor is to be a good example. If you drink...drink responsibly. I don't agree in giving your teen alcohol just so you can control the situation. First of all it is illegal, and if your kids brag about it to their friends you may get in some real trouble. I think I have set values in my teens and if they are going to do something ...such as having sex or drinking..they know that I won't 'approve' but they also know that I would rather them call me and say"hey mom, I had some beer and I need you to come and get me", than to have me find them drunk or in a wreck or worse. I have told them this about 10 thousand times in those exact words. I tell them that I will be proud of them for making that phone call. Same as sex...if they are going to do and I can't stop them then I tell them come to me and let me protect you. I would rather do that than have them come and say "I might be pregnant" or "I may have been exposed to AIDS". Once again I am not condoning then having sex...just in being responsible. Drinking is a big decision. I do know mine haven't drank alcohol yet, but they do see us drink occaisionally...maybe 4 times a year. We don't get falling down drunk and always drink at home or have a designated driver. Like I said...we, the parents, need to be the example.

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH KLMORG.
WE HAVE TO FIND A MIDDLE GROWN IN THIS MATTER AS PARENTS THAT WE ARE. SET A GOOD EXAMPLE, DON'T CONDONE IT AND TAKE ACTION AS PARENTS TO PROTECT AND TEACH THEM WHEN IT HAPPENS. RIGHT ON KLMORG !! LOVE THE WAY YOU THINK.