Drinkaware, the national charity working to prevent and reduce the misuse of alcohol and delay the age of first drink, is engaging with parents with tips and advice on how talk to their children about alcohol.
Since the launch of a parents focused digital campaign in April 2021, Drinkaware has seen a 521% increase in visits to the Parents Hub section of the Drinkaware website, indicating a clear demand and desire from parents for evidence based and trusted information on how to talk to their children about alcohol.
Speaking on the Sunday Grill this weekend, communications manager, Jennifer Flynn said;
"There are a lot of misconceptions about underage drinking."
"The tipping point for underage drinking in Ireland is 15 years old."
"We know it’s not easy to start these conversations, but they are vital. Drinkaware, along with parents, believes that alcohol has no place in childhood, but education is essential if we are to increase the average age of first drink and ensure that future generations have the information and knowledge necessary to make informed choices around alcohol."
Drinkaware’s Parent Hub provides tips, resources, and support for parents, including a myth buster section which focuses on some of the common myths associated with young people, parenting and alcohol:
Myth: If I allow my teenager to drink at home, they will be less likely to drink outside the home
Reality: There is growing evidence that supplying alcohol under parental supervision can have the opposite effect and is associated with additional risks, with teenagers being just as likely to misuse alcohol outside of the home.
Parents have engaged with the top tips from the Drinkaware Parents Hub, such as how to build resilience in your child for their future, and how you as a parent can be a positive and active role-model in a child's life.
