Leaving Cert results day is just around the corner!
This Friday (August 23), thousands of students up and down the country will be receiving those all-important results. For many, this will be a day of celebrations, but for others, it might end up being a stressful and worrying time.
Ahead of the momentous occasion, Drinkaware, the national, independent charity working to prevent and reduce the misuse of alcohol, has released their top tips for safe drinking. The charity is also encouraging parents to chat to their teens about their emotions ahead of results day.
Data from last year’s Drinkaware Barometer found that 66% of young people aged 18-24 drink to cope. Meanwhile, 48% of 18–24-year-olds drink to fit in. With this in mind, Drinkaware is asking parents not to hold off on talking to their young adults about alcohol consumption.
When chatting to your teen about results day and any possible intentions to drink, you should include the following tips in your conversation:
1. Create a non-judgmental space: Remember that this is an intense and emotional time for your child. Listen to what they have to say, and make sure that they feel heard.
2. Have an honest conversation: Inform them that alcohol is a depressant and that it can have the opposite effect of what they are hoping for. For example, instead of it giving your child a boost, it can lower their mood or shatter their confidence.
3. Plan ahead: Encourage your teen to share their plans with you. Help them to create safe plans, such as getting home safely and what to say if they are being pressured into drinking.
4. Encourage healthy alternatives: It is important for you not to assume that your child will drink alcohol to mark their results day! Suggest alcohol-free alternatives to them, and give them the confidence to reject any peer pressure that they might be subjected to.
5. Educate: Inform them of alcohol guidelines and make sure they know what a standard drink measurement is. Also, talk about what they should do if someone has had too much to drink, and encourage them to contact you if they feel unsafe.
Speaking about drinking guidelines for young people, Drinkaware CEO Dearbhla O’Brien explained: “Regardless of the [exam] outcomes, Drinkaware is encouraging parents to take steps to ensure young people have a safe night out and understand the health harms associated with alcohol.”
She added: “We want to reassure parents that not all young adults consume alcohol and it’s important to encourage them to celebrate without it.”
For more advice, you can visit Drinkaware’s Parents Hub here for free resources, tips and advice on how to talk openly about alcohol without judgement.
