School’s out: let’s talk about alcohol

Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement
School’s out: let’s talk about alcohol

Exams are almost over for thousands of students – time for a welcome break and relaxation. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is also encouraging parents to use this opportunity to discuss the subject of alcohol use with their children.

Many young people will be thinking about how to celebrate the end of exams and this provides a natural opportunity for parents to start a discussion about alcohol use.

Davis Turkington, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Senior Officer with the PHA said: “We encourage parents to take the opportunity, as the end of term approaches, to talk to their kids about alcohol and the serious consequences that underage drinking can have.

“Drinking alcohol can have an impact on your child’s health. Alcohol can also reduce their inhibitions and make it more likely for them do things that are out of character, including some actions that can put them and others at risk.”

Davis said that parents have a big role to play in influencing their child’s attitude to alcohol. Children’s behaviour towards alcohol will often be influenced by patterns of alcohol use at home.

“If your child is old enough to drink, it is important to encourage them to take care of themselves and their friends if they choose to drink alcohol.

“It is also important to emphasise to young people that they can have a great night out and celebrate the end of exams without drinking alcohol.”

Tips for parents:

Do

  • make the first move and bring up the topic of alcohol;
  • take time to listen to what your child has to say;
  • respect your child’s views if you want the same in return;
  • discuss the risks associated with drinking alcohol;
  • discuss possible consequences of their actions and support them to make the right choices;
  • think about your own drinking and the influence this can have on your child’s behaviour.

Don’t

  • assume that your child doesn’t want to talk – not talking to your child about alcohol can be interpreted as you approving of them drinking;
  • assume they already know everything;
  • interrupt or be judgemental even if you don’t agree with their opinion;
  • say one thing to your child but behave differently yourself.

For further information on tips for talking to your children about alcohol see the ‘You, your child and alcohol’ booklet on the PHA’s website: www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/you-your-child-and-alcohol

For further information on alcohol limits see www.knowyourlimits.info