Parents have a responsibility to set a good example for their children and to talk to them about the potential for harm and negative outcomes from excessive alcohol consumption or drug use.
Parents need to be mindful of the harmful impacts of teenage drinking, both to their health and from the negative consequences of their actions. Regular binge drinking can cause long-term physical damage, including to the stomach, liver and brain, and there are very serious negative consequences in relation to sex, violence and aggression from excessive drinking.
It won’t hurt to remind young people how many are killed or seriously injured in road accidents or fights caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Teenagers and alcohol: A Parents’ Guide suggests the following for talking to teenagers about alcohol:
- Choose an appropriate time and place to talk
- Talk to them about the consequences of the choices they make about drinking alcohol
- Discuss harmful outcomes and how to avoid them
- Explain that alcohol can have a stronger effect on young people
- Talk about how alcohol can sometimes lead to negative outcomes, such as violence, sex and physical harm
- Stress the importance of not drinking and driving
- Encourage them to look out for each other when out in a group
- Come to an agreement on acceptable limits of behaviour.
HOSTING A PARTY
If hosting a party, parents need to be aware that they are responsible for the health and safety of all guests and legally liable if a problem arises during or even after a party. Giving young people alcohol or failing to have controls over what they are drinking or taking can have legal and tragic consequences.
It is important that events are well planned, with set limits on numbers and rules that teenagers know and respect. It is important to have adequate parental supervision. Parents should also set a good example and not drink too much while supervising a party. It should be emphasises that excessive drinking will not be tolerated.
Have enough security and know how to deal with gate crashers.
Police should also be notified of the party plans and it is wise to have contact with parents of children attending the party.
It is also important to plan how guests will get home.
LEGALALITES
Drinking alcohol under the age of 18 is illegal in many circumstances. Supplying alcohol to people aged under 18.
The following is from the Department of Health Victorian website: