With the holidays just around the corner, we have to be careful with what happens around us especially where our youth are involved. The holiday season increases underage drinking. Alcohol continues to be the most frequently abused substance among young adults. In 2008, The Youth Risky Behavior Surveillance System, reported that out of a student sample size of 1,241 students in 9-12 grades, 38.0% of females and 35.4% of males said that they were currently using alcohol. Holiday parties make it more accessible for the youth to get alcohol and drugs.
Alcohol poisoning is also a high risk during this time of the year. Left over cocktails are objects for the youth to explore. Youth like to pretend to be adults. They may do this by simply taking a drink out of an adult’s cup.
If you will have events where alcohol will be served, find a reliable babysitter who will keep your children at their home or in certain areas of your home. Establish and maintain good communication with your child. Let them know what you expect of them at holiday parties. Make clear rules and enforce them with consequences.
Other tips include pouring out all alcoholic beverages that are left behind. Place them where your children can not find or reach them. Instead of offering alcoholic beverages, serve virgin drinks instead. Establish transportation options for guest who may drink too much. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 50 percent of all deadly car crashes that take place during the holiday season involve alcohol.
Let your children know the truth about underage drinking. Alcohol is just as harmful as other drugs. People who begin drinking by age 15 are five times more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol than those who began dinking after age 20. During 2007 and 2008, Chesterfield County Student Survey stated that 31% of students had tried alcohol within the 6 months of the survey. 20.8% of females and 29.6% of males had drunk alcohol before age 13. Teach your child how to say no to drugs and feel comfortable while doing that. Hopefully, they will not become a statistic. Most importantly, be a role model for your children.
For more information or tips on how to celebrate your holidays, contact Chesterfield County Coordinating Council at 843-623-5265 or email ccccwhitneyf@shtc.net.
