Dear Jacek,

We know from research that as high school students get older, their experimentation with alcohol increases. It would not be surprising, therefore, that seniors at your school drink more than younger students. We also know that some high school—and even middle school—students sneak alcohol into sporting events and bring alcohol to school, often in water or soda bottles. Too often, these students drink so much alcohol that they end up passing out, and they need to be rushed to the emergency room.

Often students underestimate how dangerous alcohol can be because it is legal. Most people don’t know that, because of their higher rate of metabolism, teenagers actually need to drink more alcohol than adults in order to feel the intoxicating effects. Thus, alcohol poisoning is a very serious problem among high school students nationwide.

While you do not have an obligation to tell someone, you would be doing your fellow students a great favor by doing so. Chances are the seniors that are sneaking alcohol at your school do not realize that they are exposing themselves to a life-threatening risk. You would be doing your school a great service to let your school principal know. I would also suggest that you let administrators know in writing and keep a copy, because that will increase the odds that they will address the issue. Better yet, consider having one of your parents do so, as this may also increase the odds that they will follow through on this potentially deadly problem.

In terms of being a snitch, you don’t have to tell them specifically who is drinking. However, if you have specific concerns about certain students, letting the principal know will increase the odds that these students will get the help that they may need, including support in making healthier choices in the future.