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| Young People drinking Alcohol |
Key statistics:
·
On average, 1 in 4
hospitalisations of 15-25 year olds happen because of alcohol.
·
1 in 2 Australians aged 15–17
who get drunk will do something they regret.
·
70 Australians under 25 will be
hospitalised due to alcohol-caused assault in an average week.
·
4 Australians under 25 die due
to alcohol related injuries in an average week.
How many
teenagers are drinking?
Alcohol consumption amongst teenagers is a
concern. According to the 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey over 20%
of 14-19 year olds consume alcohol on a weekly basis.
How much are
teenagers drinking?
Amongst teenagers drinking, 29% of males
aged 12-17 had consumed seven or more drinks on one occasion; and 32% of
females in the same age group had consumed five or more drinks on one occasion
(the 2005 Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug Survey).
How harmful is it?
Alcohol is a potent drug that depresses the
central nervous system and changes the way people think and feel. Teenagers can
be more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol because they have not built up
physical tolerance. They also lack drinking experience and are less able to
judge their own levels of intoxication. Most young people are smaller than
adults and so alcohol can have a greater effect. There is some new evidence
that developing minds and bodies may be more vulnerable to the negative effects
of alcohol. The earlier a young person begins unsupervised drinking, the
greater the risk of alcohol-related problems in later life.
A recent study has shown approximately 40%
of 14-19 year olds drink at levels that risk harm in the short-term (the 2007
National Drug Strategy Household Survey).
The
consequences of intoxication can include:
Alcohol related harms experienced by
teenagers in the short term are significant. The most common
alcohol-attributable causes of death and hospitalisations among teenagers
include road injury, suicide, assault, pedestrian road injury and other
accidents such as falls and drowning.
What can I do?
As a parent, you play an important role in
educating your teenager about alcohol and helping them to develop a responsible
attitude towards drinking. It’s never too early to start talking to your
children about the effects of alcohol, and this helps to keep the lines of
communication open down the track.
How do I talk
to my teenager about alcohol?
Young people are generally more concerned
about the short-term social consequences of drinking too much (embarrassment,
doing something they wouldn’t do sober) rather than the long-term health
impacts.
·
Choose an appropriate time and
place to talk
·
Bring the topic up
informally—perhaps after watching a TV show, a news item or a movie that acts
as a conversation-starter
·
Be open and honest and
encourage your teenager to express their feelings, thoughts and opinions
·
Be clear about the rules and
ensure your teenager knows that under-age drinking is against the law in most
circumstances. Research shows that teenagers expect and want their parents to
set boundaries, even if they do transgress them occasionally
·
Avoid scare tactics—young
people are more likely to be persuaded by listening to a realistic presentation
of the facts
·
Talk to your teenager about
your concerns so they understand the potential consequences of drinking
What about peer
pressure—how do I deal with that?
Adolescence is a time of huge change for
young people, which can leave them feeling vulnerable.
You can help your teenager to develop
confidence in dealing with things like peer pressure. A good way to begin might
be to role-play some typical scenarios, so you can:
·
Help your teenager to say ‘no’
to alcohol, when there is pressure to drink
·
Stress the importance of never
getting into a car with a driver who has been drinking. Agree on a plan if this
situation ever arises, which may include paying for a taxi when they get home,
picking them up, or allowing them to stay overnight at a friend’s place if that
is not possible
·
Talk about the dangers of drink
spiking and how they can protect themselves
·
Discuss what to do if a friend
is intoxicated
What if my
teenager comes home drunk?
Although you might want to talk to them
about it immediately, especially if you’re upset or angry, wait until they’re
sober so you can have a rational discussion.
At that time, reinforce the rules that have
been broken, your disappointment and the consequences.
Your drinking,
their drinking.
From an early age, your child will be aware
of alcoholic drinks and patterns of drinking in your home. Let them observe you
modelling sensible drinking habits, such as:
·
Sometimes refusing a drink when
offered
·
Not always using alcohol to
celebrate occasions or declaring, “I need a drink!” when you’re dealing with a
stressful period
·
Not drinking to intoxication
·
Not drinking and driving
What can I do
if my teenager is planning a party?
·
Be involved in the
planning—discuss the ground rules before the party is announced
·
Agree on whether alcohol will
be allowed
·
If alcohol is to be allowed,
ensure you provide low-alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives, as well as
plenty of food
·
Make sure there is some type of
adult supervision
·
Emphasise that excessive
drinking will not be tolerated and agree on a plan for dealing with someone who
is drunk or sick
·
Uninvited guests (gatecrashers)
are a growing problem. Check out Party Safe programs in your State or visit www.australia.gov.au/drinkingnightmare
for more information on safe partying
·
Plan how guests will get home
·
Talk to other parents about
their teenager’s parties for advice
Reference
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