A Coalition for Drug-Free Youth in Long Island, New York has taken a strong stand against spring break trips that aren't chaperoned or endorsed by a school or other organization. Citing increases in violence, arrests and other dangerous activity, the Coalition has requested that parents consider safer alternatives for their kids.

"The U.S. Consulate in Merida, Mexico, whose territory includes Cancun, says that during the eight-week spring break period in 2002, U.S. students accounted for two deaths, 360 arrests, four injuries that required medical evacuations out of the area, one rape, 495 reports of lost or stolen property and 504 'general welfare inquiries'."

Similar statistics are found at other popular spring break locations, like Daytona Beach. Some of the alternatives suggested by the Coalition include: family events or vacations, trips with other families, and taking the student to visit potential colleges.

Also, learn about alternatives to traditional summer camps too - instead of sitting out, or worse - getting into trouble - have your child spend the summer working on themselves. Visit www.alternativesummercamps.com for more information.

Labels: risky_behaviors, spring_break, travel