A responsible approach to alcohol

Drinking alcohol too young, or in excess, or at the wrong times can seriously affect health and wellbeing. It can even be a killer.

Unfortunately, the news media, movies, television, and real life is full of conflicting messages about drinking. As parents you need to give children and teenagers clear guidance, support and boundaries. You need to help them understand the risks. You need to be open, honest, supportive — and firm about setting limits and boundaries.

Perhaps most of all, you need to remember that you are their role model for how they treat alcohol.

For urgent support, call Alcohol Helpline on 0800 787 797 (10am-10pm every day) for a confidential chat.

Helpful tips

• Don't wait till they're walking out the door to talk about drinking
• Talk openly about potential dangers such as drinking and driving
• Give practical advice such as ways to keep safe late at night
• Be available at any time to pick up your teenager
• Get them to plan for different situations such as what to do if a friend who has been drinking offers a lift
• Get them and their friends to look out for each other
• Encourage them not to put themselves in vulnerable situations after drinking.