Blues in Bridgetown is a time when teenagers are more likely to be unsupervised so there is an increased opportunity for risk taking. Please read the below information as a reminder of the risks to young people when they drink alcohol.

Alcohol and your teenager

The National Health and Medical Research Council - recommends that for children and young people less than 18 years of age, not drinking alcohol is the safest option.

Young people’s developing brains can be damaged through consumption of alcohol so avoiding alcohol is important. Drinking is associated with poor decision-making, loss of control and risky behaviour such as unsafe or unwanted sex, injury, violence, car crashes and other undesirable outcomes which may last a lifetime.

For more information on guidelines for reducing risk to those under 18 years of age visit: https://alcoholthinkagain.com.au/

Alcohol use by teens- warning signs for parents!

It’s not always easy to tell if a young person is having problems with alcohol or other drugs.

Some of the signs that your child is using alcohol or other drugs include mood swings, angry outbursts and changes to clothes, friends and interests. But these signs are a normal part of adolescence too.

Here are some other warning signs that might mean you need to act:

School and social life
Your child might be:

• doing worse at school or skipping school
• using secret or ‘coded’ language when talking with friends
• being more secretive about their things or where they're going
• isolating himself more than usual
• spending a lot of time with new friends who might be less interested in regular school or family activities
• wearing different clothes or jewellery, especially ones that feature drug symbols or paraphernalia.

Behaviour
Your child might:

• have changes in mood that are out of character
• have changes in sleeping habits – for example, high energy and sleeplessness or trouble waking up
• start using incense or air fresheners to hide the smell of smoke or other substances.

What can parents do?

Supervision is one of the most important things parents can do. Know where your young person is going and what she/he is doing. Parents are legally responsible for their teenage children.

• Talk to your teenager about alcohol, drinking and your expectations of his/her behaviour.
• Ensure young people are supervised by a responsible adult at all gatherings.
• Drink safely and moderately – your actions speak loudly to your children.
• Don’t buy alcohol for your son or daughter and ensure other parents know your thoughts about alcohol for your child.
• Talk to other parents about these issues and form a united front.

Remember, it is an offence for anyone to supply under 18s with alcohol in a private setting without parental or guardian permission. This offence carries a maximum penalty of $10,000.

More information is available:

Reachout.com

Raising Children Network

To contact me regarding any health or wellbeing concern or query please leave a message at the school or email felicity.lukins@heatlh.wa.gov.au

Felicity Lukins - COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE