Practical ways of delaying teenage drinking:
- Make sure you know the facts and laws about alcohol ( Alcohol and you) and can talk in a balanced and constructive way.
- Talk and listen to your teenager. It is important that they hear your views and that you hear theirs. Use everyday opportunities, for example a storyline in a T.V. programme, as a prompt
- Have family rules, discuss them with all members, and be clear about what is allowed and not allowed and have consequences for breaking rules and enforce them.
- If your teenager is going to a party drop them off and pick them up. Agree the time they will be leaving the party. Confer with the host parents about supervision and their plans.
- Be careful where you leave alcohol in the house. Know how much you have and check it regularly. If you are away for the night it is unfair to your teenagers to leave them in a situation where they have access to a large supply of drink.
- Supervise parties at home and always serve food. Ensure there is adult supervision of parties in friends’ homes.
- Understand the pressure’s they’re facing from peers and wanting to fit in. Don’t fly off the handle if you discover they’ve been drinking, talk it through and explain the risks they are taking.
When they are heading out make sure:
- They have eaten a good meal
- Tell them to keep their mobiles on and to call if there are any problems
- Drop them off and pick them up
o Leave their drink as it could be spiked
o Drink and drive
o Take a lift from someone they suspect has taken drink or drugs
o Leave on their own.