School’s out for summer – time to talk about your drinking

School’s out for summer – time to talk about your drinking

School’s almost out for summer and this is a great time to talk to your child about their, and your, use of alcohol.

Exams will soon be over for thousands of students and many will be thinking of celebrating. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents to broach the subject of alcohol with their children.

Owen O’Neill, Drugs and Alcohol Lead with the PHA, says that parents have an enormous influence on their children’s attitudes towards alcohol: “We would like parents to talk to their children about the serious consequences of underage drinking, or if their child is old enough to drink, encourage them to take care if they choose to drink alcohol.

“Drinking alcohol can reduce your child’s inhibitions and allow them do things that are out of character.

“Remind your kids that they can have a good time and celebrate the end of exams without alcohol. Your own drinking is also a key factor – children will be influenced by patterns of alcohol use at home.”

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.

 

With exams over, teenagers may worry during the summer months about their results and this can affect their emotional wellbeing. It is important not to neglect the possible impact of exam stress on mental and emotional wellbeing. Parents are urged to look out for behaviour or feelings that could indicate that your child is showing signs of stress.

More information on looking after mental health and the support available in Northern Ireland can be found at www.mindingyourhead.info

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