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Think Before You Buy under 18s a Drink
Date: 28 December 2012
Think Before You Buy under 18s a Drink
Think before you buy under
18s a drink. This is the message being supported by the
local Waitomo community based ‘Reducing Risk Team’ this
holiday season.
The Christmas and New Year holiday period is a time when young people can be at particular risk of alcohol-fuelled harm. This can result in them being left with feelings of regret. With support from the Te Kuiti High School, the “Reducing Risk Team” has developed several projects to reduce the harm experienced by young people as a result of being supplied alcohol.
Waikato District Health Board health promoter Clowdy Ngatai says: “These projects are about providing the facts around how we can be more responsive to young people and their right to be kept safe. It’s understanding that parents and older friends should not compromise, keeping to the rules, even when boundaries are being pushed. The role of adults is essential in reducing the harm linked with the early onset of drinking among young people. It’s a tough topic and we are aware of how difficult it can be. The hope is that these projects go part way to providing families and older friends with better skills to cope.”
The community based project uses key messages and local images to encourage those over the 18 year old purchase age, to think before buying under 18s alcohol. This initial phase incorporates three parts:
• The use of LCD screens
at the point of sale in three local off licences to promote
key messages
• Stickers outlining the legal
requirements around alcohol sale and purchase
• a note
pad with alcohol facts, local support services and tips for
parents to keep their young people safe.
“The local off licences should be commended for supporting this project by hosting the LCD screens in their premises and for their willingness to spread the messages on both the notepads and the stickers within the community,” said Mrs Ngatai.
“These retailers have no legal obligation to take part in this type of project but understand the risk young people are faced with time and time again.”
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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