The safety and well-being of our participants is AFS’s highest priority. Working to ensure the safety of a participant requires a partnership between the participant and the host family, in compliance with AFS policies and laws in the host country.
Embarking on an AFS program in the U.S. implies agreement with the following alcohol policies. Failure to abide by these policies is irresponsible behavior, a threat to the safety of the AFS participant, and potentially damaging to the integrity of the program.
Failure to comply with these policies will be considered grounds for early return.
- Any abuse of alcoholic drinks, such as binge drinking, and inappropriate behavior related to drinking alcohol, is not allowed while on an AFS program in the United States and is grounds for early return.
- Any arrest or suspension from school for alcohol use is also grounds for early return.
Some U.S. states maintain zero tolerance laws, meaning that no alcohol can be consumed or possessed by anyone under the age of 21. Other U.S. states allow consumption if it is in a private home. No matter where an AFS participant is hosted in the United States, breaking any laws is strictly prohibited. The breaking of any state or local law concerning alcohol is reason to be removed from the program and returned home. In such cases, a participant faces the possibility of arrest and/or deportation if these laws are not obeyed.
It is important that participants have a clear understanding of the laws of the state and community in which they are living. Participants should ask their host family and/or Liaison to explain their views on teenage drinking, the family rules, U.S., and state laws and how these will affect them.
Use of alcohol in the United States is regulated by state and federal law. Although U.S. federal law states that no one under the age of 21 may publicly possess or purchase alcohol, state laws regarding the consumption of alcohol by a minor (anyone under 21) vary.
AFS is aware that there are American high school students who abuse alcohol and binge drink. Binge drinking means consuming several drinks in a short time period. Serious injury and death can occur from the abuse of alcohol, such as binge drinking. Binge drinking, or inappropriate behavior related to drinking is not allowed while on an AFS-USA program.
It is important that AFS participants understand that alcohol abuse is not acceptable behavior while on the AFS-USA program. Alcohol abuse includes excessive alcohol use; frequent/regular alcohol use; excessive alcohol consumption in one session; and binge drinking. Should participants abuse alcohol or binge drink, they can potentially place themselves or others in danger. This behavior will not be tolerated on the AFS program. Involvement with friends and/or schoolmates who abuse alcohol can also put your AFS program at risk. If participants find themselves in an environment where this is occurring, they should ask their host family or liaison for assistance.
Call your host parents or another responsible adult (such as your liaison) if you find yourself at a party or event where there is binge or underage drinking, no matter what time of day or night. Please don’t jeopardize your AFS program by ignoring the laws about underage drinking. Everyone at AFS-USA takes these laws seriously.
What If I'm Concerned About Someone Else's use of Alcohol or Marijuana?
Sometimes a student may become concerned that a host family member may drink too much alcohol, or may be confused about their use of marijuana, which is legal for adults for personal and/or medicinal purposes in some states. When it comes to drinking, it can be hard to know how much is too much, especially if you are from a culture or belong to a religious faith where drinking alcohol is not allowed or discouraged. Living in a family where someone drinks too much may make YOU or other family members feel angry, confused, scared, or sad.
If you are concerned that a host family member may drink too much, or that their use of marijuana is inappropriate, please let your AFS Liaison or another local volunteer know immediately. They and/or other AFS Support Volunteers and AFS Staff will determine the best course of action. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation and you are not able to reach a local volunteer, please call our Support staff at 1-800-AFS-INFO, ext., 9, day or night.
Anytime you feel unsure or uncomfortable, consulting and sharing with a trusted adult AFS Support volunteer or staff member is always a good choice and in your best interest.
If you have a friend whose drinking, or drug use, concerns you, please tell your host parents or liaison. It is never your responsibility to hold information or keep a secret you are uncomfortable with – even when asked to by a peer. If possible, try to help them stay safe. For example, try to keep a friend who has been drinking from doing anything dangerous, such as driving, walking home at night alone, or starting a fight, and notify your host family or liaison about the situation.
And protect yourself, too. If called upon to join friends making choices that impact your well-being or safety, remove yourself and contact your host family or liaison. For example, don’t get in a car with someone who's been drinking, even if that person is your ride home. Call your host parent or liaison and ask them to pick you up instead.
It is important to know that many people can't control their drinking or drug use without help. This doesn't mean that they love or care about you any less. Dependence or drugs or alcohol is an illness that needs to be treated just like other illnesses. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol can't stop until they are ready to admit they have a problem and get help themselves. We do not expect you to attempt to provide such help or to convince them that they need help. Your role here is to share any related concern with your AFS Liaison, other local volunteer, or AFS staff.
Adapted from Nemours Teen Health Alcohol.
Smoking
Purchasing or using tobacco products is against the law in the U.S. for anyone under 21 years of age, therefore all hosted participants coming to the U.S. are expected to abstain from smoking and vaping while on the program.
Attitudes toward smoking in the U.S., especially teenage smoking, have become increasingly disapproving. Many U.S. families do not permit cigarette smoking or vaping tobacco in their homes. Most businesses, restaurants, and other public places, such as airports and shopping malls, have “no smoking or vaping rules. Most schools also have a “no smoking or vaping” policy. Some schools are quite strict with this rule and may suspend students caught smoking.
In December 2019, federal regulations prohibited the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21. U.S. culture emphasizes the rule of law. Thus, when underage participants break a law by smoking, there is a very negative impression associated with that person. The severity of perception varies from place to place and may result in a host family change.
In some states, legislators are considering laws which would impose a fine on parents (including host parents) for allowing minors to be in possession of tobacco products in their homes. While this is not a widespread law, it does indicate the seriousness with which adults in the U.S. are taking the problem of teen smoking. Remember, when your host family accepted you, they expected a non-smoker or a person who would not smoke while in the U.S.
Body Piercing and Tattoos
AFS-USA discourages participants from obtaining body piercings and tattoos while hosted in the U.S. In some states, it is illegal for a person under 18 to obtain piercings or tattoos without parental consent. Furthermore, it is against the dress code of some schools to have piercings on parts of the body other than the ears. In some communities in the U.S., individuals with such decoration may not be viewed in a positive light.
Body piercing and tattooing are considered an intentional self-inflicted injury not related to covered mental/nervous condition. Therefore, expenses as a result of or in connection with body piercing and/or tattooing are not covered by the AFS Medical Plan.
If you already have a facial piercing, you might consider asking your host family before coming if this is permitted at your host school and/or how this might be received among teenagers at your host school.
The Legal System in the U.S.
If an AFS participant is arrested or cited by the police for any reason, the parent(s)/guardian(s) is responsible for paying all attorney’s fees and fines involved. AFS can help you to find a local attorney, but your parents are responsible for paying any fees associated with your arrest or citation, including legal fees.
You should also be aware that there may be differences between your home country’s legal system and that of the U.S. You should not assume that you will receive the same legal process that exists in your own country while you are in the U.S.
Please keep in mind that an individual whom the police seek to interrogate has the right to have legal counsel present during any interrogation and also has a right to remain silent during such interrogation.
Especially if English is NOT your first language, it is recommended that you use your right to stay silent when questioned. In the event of an arrest or citation, please contact AFS immediately so that we can help ensure that your rights are protected.