WASHINGTON, DC – The Concerned Women for America (CWA) has issued a plea to young women across the country to exercise caution and take personal safety measures as the annual “spring break” season approaches.The impetus for the CWA’s warning is a report recently issued by the American Medical Association (AMA), which surveyed female college students and college graduates concerning their spring break experiences. Among other things, the AMA’s study found that 83-percent of women surveyed reported an increase in the consumption of alcohol during spring break, and 74-percent said the break results in an increase in sexual activity.
“The danger of spring break is that students have an attitude that ‘anything goes’,” said Dr. Janice Crouse, a Senior Fellow of the CWA’s Beverly LaHaye Institute. “The idea that this vacation has no consequences is a frightening and naive mindset. Reckless conduct always has consequences and young people need to realize their vulnerabilities and show responsibility.”
According to Dr. J. Edward Hill, president of the AMA, the medical association is trying to call attention to underage drinking among women because their bodies process alcohol differently and put them at greater risk for health problems.
The AMA’s online survey, conducted last week, incorporated a nationwide random sample of 644 college women or graduates ages 17 to 35.
Other notable results from the survey:
• Around 30-percent of the women surveyed said spring break trips are an essential part of the college experience
• Over 50-percent said they regretted getting sick from drinking on the trip
• Approximately 40-percent said they regretted passing out or not remembering what they did
• 13-percent said they had sexual activity with more than one partner
• 10-percent said they regretted engaging in public or group sexual activity
• More than half of respondents were underage when they first drank alcohol on a spring break trip
Kathleen Fitzgerald, a 21-year-old student at Illinois State University, told the Associated Press that the AMA’s effort to raise awareness about alcohol consumption is a good idea, but likely won’t accomplish much in terms of reducing excessive drinking during spring break.
“I think a lot of students wouldn’t really pay that much attention to it,” Fitzgerald said. “They would just be like, ‘Duh, that’s why we do it.’”
It’s precisely that cavalier attitude that concerns the CWA’s Crouse.
“Spring break is a week away from reality for students across the nation, but it does not negate the fact that STDs are real consequences and that excessive alcohol leads to risky behavior,” Crouse said.
“Tragic stories of girls who mysteriously ‘disappear’ or horrible things happening to unsuspecting victims should alarm us and be a warning to high school and college girls looking for a good time,” Crouse added. “Participating in wild behavior on spring break dramatically increases the risk of crime and undesirable outcomes. My prayers go out to young girls as they enjoy the carefree tradition of spring break.”
