Many parents are surprised to learn that in most drug-related deaths of young people, the drug involved isn't an illegal drug - it's alcohol. The fact that it's available everywhere and widely advertised on television as something to have fun with can make us forget that alcohol is also a drug with potential to cause harm. It 's the same drug which is responsible for most motor vehicle accidents involving 17 to 24-year-olds.
Many teenagers will experiment with alcohol - especially at this time of the year, and there's often little parents can do to prevent this. But they can do a lot to reduce the risks by teaching teenagers good sense with alcohol. Doing this doesn't mean parents are encouraging them to drink. They can still say "I'd rather you didn't drink alcohol at your age - but if you're going to drink, you need to know how to be safe."
Be a good example. Teaching kids good sense with alcohol doesn't start when they're 15 - by that age they've spent years watching their parents' drinking habits and are ready to copy them. When children are small, let them see you drinking responsibly. Never drive when you have had too many drinks;don't automatically produce alcohol every time you get together with friends - kids need to know you can have fun without a drug.
Stress the importance of not drinking and driving - and not riding in a car with a driver who is over the limit. It's good if parents and teenagers can agree on a plan in case they or the person driving them home has drunk too much. Tell them you can ring home and ask for a lift or taxi fare, or arrange to stay overnight with a friend, rather than risk driving.
Explain that alcohol can have a stronger effect on young people - this makes it even more important to eat before they drink and to drink plenty of soft drinks or water - not just alcohol.
