Judge sees parents as key to preventing underage drinking

Salem and Roanoke County Juvenile Court Judge Philip Trompeter says, in his perfect world, parents would have to undergo training in the dangers of alcohol and drugs before their children move up to middle school and beyond. Speaking to a meeting on underage drinking prevention Thursday night, Trompeter emphasized parental responsibility: "There's not a child who does anything that a parent does not let them do," he said.

Trompeter wishes parents would tell their children two things each day: I love you, and the use of alcohol and drugs will not be tolerated.

A certification program for parents would help, Trompeter said. "That's my dream if I were king."

The event in Roanoke was one of a nationwide series of town hall meetings on prevention of underage drinking.