Diabolical Cocktail: Why alcohol and teenage drinking don't mix

Diabolical Cocktail: Why alcohol and teenage drinking don't mix.

Learning how to drink responsibly is one of the most difficult tasks facing young people today as excessive use of alcohol is a normal part of life in many sections of our community.(RRISK 2002) Many parents are often so concerned about the risks associated with illicit drug use that they forget that alcohol is the substance most likely to be the source of harm for their adolescent children.

Surveys in other states (e.g. a Victorian state-wide survey conducted in 2002) have indicated that teenagers believe that alcohol is a bigger menace in their lives than illicit drugs. (The Age, November 16 2002) In another study carried out in New South Wales, (Secondary School Survey) it was reported that drinking is commonplace amongst 15-16 year olds and that more young people surprisingly obtained their alcohol from parents than from any other source. Similar surveys in Queensland would no doubt uncover the similar statistics.

Why do young people drink alcohol? According to the Child and Youth Health, young people drink for the following reasons:

· Experimental – young people are curious, want to be one of the group, think that they will appear “older”, or because it gives them “an image among their peers” or simply “to try it out”
· Recreational - makes them feel happier
· Dependent – they become addicted
· Situational – “try to forget things”

In the survey carried out in New South Wales, it was found that young people typically drink to intoxication and do not use alcohol in a responsible manner. The report from a Roy Morgan Research survey carried out in 2002 found that this generation of drinkers starts younger, drinks more and indulges in binge drinking to a greater extent than the previous generation.

Paul Dillon from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre stated that more and more young people drink “to get out of it, to get wasted and that Australia is one of the few countries where binge drinking was acceptable”. “Parents see alcohol use as a protective factor against other drug use without considering the dangers inherent in drinking too much and losing control.”

One of the big concerns is the ready availability of alcohol at parties. Students either drink alcohol before they attend parties and dances, or they find ways to bring alcohol into parties. Of concern is that the alcohol is often provided by parents.

As a parent, what can you do? Here are some sensible suggestions in regard to teenage parties:

· Speak to the parents beforehand to ensure that they will be home for the party. Check out where the party will be held and what security is in place. Check that your son or daughter is invited to the party.
· Ask the parents if there will be alcohol at the party. Decide whether you think that it is appropriate for your son or daughter to be present.
· Pick up and deliver your son or daughter.
· Don’t be afraid to go to the door when you collect your son or daughter. It is often wise to meet the parents when you drop your son or daughter off and to check again that the parents will be home.
· Discuss with your son or daughter a time when you expect her to be home.
· Check with your son or daughter that you are both clear about the rules – what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
· Ensure that your son or daughter has a charged mobile phone to make a call to you or a family member if necessary.

It is important to discuss party going with your son or daughter in a calm manner without the pressure of an impending party that night. We have often found that many students will deliberately mislead parents about who is taking them to a party and/or whom the student is staying with if in fact they are staying overnight with another family. Always check yourself to ensure that the other parent is aware of your expectations and if in doubt, please err on the side of caution.

Some of our students can place themselves in a high-risk situation, simply because they did “not think through possible scenarios and risks”. There are too many ‘predators’ out there waiting to take advantage of young, naive and inexperienced young people, who find themselves separated from friends and family. It is important that we allow our students to enjoy parties and dances, but urge you to take all due care in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your son or daughter.

There are a number of useful web sites that you may wish to explore with your son or daughter:
www.parentingideas.com.au
http://www.schoolparents.canberra.net.au/teenage_parties.htm