With thousands of schoolchildren about to off on their summer holidays, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to discuss the subject of alcohol use with their children.
Davis Turkington, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Senior Officer with the PHA said should take the grasp the opportunity to talk to their kids about alcohol and the serious consequences that underage drinking can have.
He said: “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.”
Mr Turkington said parents had a “big role” to play in influencing their child’s attitude to alcohol.
He said children’s behaviour towards alcohol would often be influenced by patterns of alcohol use at home.
He added: “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
