Talking to teenagers about alcohol

Young people have access to alcohol - drinking at parties, friends houses, in the park - quite often drinking to get drunk. The number of teenagers trying drink in their early teens is growing, often influenced by peer pressure and the media. The worry for parents is that it can also be linked to risky teenage behaviour such as unprotected and early sex. "I know she drinks too much. I really worry about her. Thank goodness she has good friends who always watch out for her. I insist that she never comes home on her own."

Tips and hints

Talk openly about what you see as the potential dangers - from health to safety - in a practical way so they don't tune out.

Get the timing right. Try to find a relaxed time when you can both chat e.g. when you are giving them a lift, or watching TV rather than when you are half way out of the door or with their mates.

Remember your own behaviour will influence them. Be honest about the reasons why you or people in general like drinking as well as, the negatives of alcohol.

Talk about how they may feel or what they may do under pressure - whether it is deciding what they do if they are offered a drink, or if a friend offers read more