Parents Encouraged Not To Give Children Alcohol

Parents Encouraged Not To Give Children Alcohol

Summer parties and more freedom mean it's time for parents to be extra vigilant with their children. Summer can be a risky time for teens. Alcohol and teenagers are a dangerous cocktail and it's vital that parents don't give their children alcohol and close their eyes and hope for the best! Says Jennie Milne, Coordinator of The Focus on the Family How to DRUG PROOF YOUR KIDS programme.

A high percentage of alcohol abused by young children is given to them by their parents or older siblings. Consequently teenagers are experimenting with alcohol at a time when their growing brains and bodies are most vulnerable. Research now shows that the frontal lobe area of the brain is not fully developed until 21-25 years of age - this is the area of the brain that enables us to make social judgements and control our impulses. Introduce alcohol - inhibition and judgement go out the door and you have the recipe for a lot of unwise and unsafe choices often leading to life or death situations, says Mrs Milne.

New studies reveal that parents have a big influence on their teenagers and can be a powerful force in preventing their children from starting drinking too early. Parents need to be proactive in protecting their children by setting rules, communicating and knowing where their children are and who they are with. It is vital that they do not leave teenage parties unsupervised and that they provide fun, creative non alcoholic drinks and plenty of food to ensure a safe and happy passage through the holiday season.

Jennie Milne

How to DRUG PROOF YOUR KIDS [DPYK] Manager

Focus on the Family NZ

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