‘Talk to your teens about Leaving Cert celebrations’

AS young people get their Leaving Cert results tomorrow parents are being urged to talk to their children about drink, drugs and celebrating sensibly.

Both the HSE and Drinkaware have encouraged mothers and fathers to discuss their teenagers’ partying plans with them, with the HSE releasing a parent’s guide on alcohol and drugs to help them break the ice.

Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Gerry McCarney said it’s important that parents know what their children are facing.

‘Alcohol and drugs are more harmful if you do not know what is going on,’ he warned. ‘Getting your child’s point of view is an important part of any conversation about alcohol or drugs.

‘Listen carefully to find out what they know, what’s happening with their friends and how they feel about alcohol and drugs.’

The guide contains advice from

‘Listen to find out what they know’

experts as well as practical tops for parents on how to deal with specific situations.

According to independent research commissioned by Drinkaware, parents remain the strongest influence on young people’s decisions on alcohol.

Drinkaware interim CEO Miriam Tabar said this can be a high-risk time for binge drinking among young people but parents are still an important factor.

‘We are asking parents to discuss with their young people their plans for results night, find out who they will be with, if alcohol will be present and how they plan to get home,’ he added.

‘The Leaving Cert results can be a highly stressful and emotional time for students. It is important that students marking this achievement, especially those who are concerned with their results, do not use alcohol as a way to blow off steam; drinking to excess can have a serious impact on a young person’s physical and mental health.

‘We would encourage parents to get involved in their children’s plans for celebrating this week.’