We need to give Leaving Cert students an alternative to drink-fuelled celebrations

SIR, With thousands of young people receiving their leaving cert results today, it’s inevitable that we’ll be seeing reports about drunken teenagers spilling out of nightclubs across the country. But the post-results celebrations don’t have to be synonymous with this. We should not presume that young people will drink to excess.

Far from it. In my role as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Drinkaware, many young people have come to me and said they’re looking for alternatives to alcohol and it’s time we listened to them and gave them the kind of practical knowledge and advice they can apply to stay safe and be healthy.

I’d appeal to parents to discuss with their children their plans for results night, who they’ll be with, if they’ll be drinking and how they plan to get home.

We regularly receive phone calls and emails from parents who are unsure of how to approach the subject of alcohol with their teenage children, particularly leading up to the release of exam results.

I’d agree with Betty McLaughlin, President of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, in saying this 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

Of course, this is an important time in a young person’s life but we would encourage parents to get involved in their children’s’ plans for celebrating this week, especially where alcohol is concerned. Sincerely, Yvonne Rossiter, Drinkaware, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.