Underage drinking is dangerous

Research shows 67 per cent of teens who drink before the age of 15 will use illegal drugs.

Underage drinking is a risk that attracts many developing teenagers. When young people try alcohol, they often do not realise the damaging effects drinking can have on their own lives.

Teenagers and adolescents are at the stage in their life where they are trying to establish how they fit into society.

With children at home during the festive season while parents are at work, it may be easy for them to consume alcohol if there is no adult supervision.

Here are ways parents can try to prevent their teenagers from drinking alcohol:

• Do not drink alcohol in front of your children. When children are exposed to alcohol by their parents, it may result in them wanting to experiment with alcohol when they are alone or with friends.

• Talk to them about underage drinking. They may be considering to drink excessively at a party so if you warn them about the dangers of alcohol and the consequences that follows, they may reconsider.

• Form trust with them. Discuss the issue of alcohol in a non-judgmental tone so that your child does not feel interrogated or too scared to open up to you.

• Establish boundaries. Reinforce your family values and morals. Establish boundaries and discuss the consequences if your trust is abused.

Talking to you children regularly about substance abuse and binge drinking is also important. Let them understand they can say no if they are pressurised by their friends to drink alcohol.

Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 414 6709. 

Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!