How drinking alcohol affects teenagers

How many times have we seen, in movies, teens going to a party and there is just that one person who offers them alcohol? It doesn’t end in the movies; this is something that happens in reality. As a parent, you play an important role when your teenage children start drinking and influence their drinking patterns as they grow.

Positive influence

It’s easy to think our efforts as parents to foster healthier drinking habits in our teenage children is futile. But evidence shows exactly how parents can make a difference. According to research, the behaviour and attitude of parents around alcohol can help delay when their teenage kids start drinking. This is important considering the harmful effects of alcohol.  For a young person whose brain is still developing, the use of alcohol may be more detrimental than previously thought. Parental influence also sets the path to better drinking patterns and reduced rates of alcohol dependence as their teen grows up.

Concerns about teenage drinking

There are many negative effects of alcohol at this age. Alcohol contributes to four of the top five leading causes of death in 15 to 24 year olds, including suicide, car accidents, accidental poisoning and assault.  Alcohol in this age group can also lead to irresponsible sexual activity and may lead to teens trying out cigarettes or drugs. Besides that, their brains are still developing key pathways for memory, learning, judgement and impulse control. Damage from alcohol misuse at this critical time in development can lead to cognitive issues like memory problems and learning difficulties.

Forge a good relationship

Here are three things you can do to help your teenage kids develop a healthier relationship with alcohol:

Limit availability of alcohol

Many parents believe supplying their children with alcohol in the safe environment of their home teaches them to drink responsibly. Unfortunately, parental supply – whether deliberate or if teenagers drink their parent’s supply behind their back – is associated with heavier teen drinking. A study found that the more adolescents drank at home, the more they were likely to drink outside of the home, which predicted future problem drinking. The study also found if adolescents thought they could buy alcohol easily, they were more likely to drink regularly. And the more spending money 16- to 17-year-olds had, the more likely they were to drink. Therefore, even under the supervision of a parent underage drinking is not recommended.

Set boundaries and clear expectations

Evidence shows parents can make significant and substantial difference in their teenage children’s relationship with alcohol, particularly in not giving them alcohol before they turn 18 and helping them set good behavioural patterns around alcohol now and for later life.The study, referred to above, shows that when parents disapprove of alcohol their children are likely to say no to alcohol. When you set boundaries in your home about alcohol, your children will follow the rules. They are not your friend and they should never drink with you.

Be a good role model

You need to be a good role model to your children. You cannot preach to them that alcohol is bad and its negative effects yet you binge drink in front of them. Setting a good example by limiting drinking in front of kids where possible.  Children are more likely to drink more heavily themselves and start at an earlier age if they observe their parents having a tipple in front of them.