HSE gives tips for safe celebrations ahead of Leaving Certificate results announcement

• See AskAboutAlcohol.ie for supports for parents and young people to stay safe and be smart around alcohol

Today (Tuesday, 22^nd August), the HSE is encouraging parents and students to discuss and plan ahead for safe celebrations ahead of the Leaving Certificate exam results day this coming Friday (25^th of August). After some challenging years where students have studied through the COVID pandemic many will want to celebrate with friends and family, and rightly so. 

The HSE is advising parents to have a brief, focused conversation about personal safety and alcohol and drug use with young people prior to their exam celebrations. AskAboutAlcohol.ie provides supports for parents and young people including advice, facts and resources to help stay safe and be smart around alcohol. These include information about Alcohol and Health and tips for parents when communicating with young people.

Professor Bobby Smyth, HSE Adolescent Addiction Psychiatrist says, “The night out after the leaving cert results is likely to be a big one for many students. It presents a chance for you as the parent to chat about the planned events. It can be an opportunity to talk about alcohol and about possibility being exposed to drug use. Help them to think through the pros and cons of the various options, to think about what might go wrong and to reassure them that you can be contacted for assistance should the night not go well.

“And alcohol does not necessarily have to go hand-in-hand with celebrations. More and more young people are now choosing not to drink alcohol because of the health gains not drinking brings. HSE advises that young people under 18yrs should avoid alcohol altogether. If you choose to drink, then the our advice is to plan ahead, monitor and minimise your alcohol intake and stay safe and avoid drugs."

“Everyone reacts differently to alcohol so the advice to young people is to make the best decision that suits how they want to celebrate.  Have a safe and enjoyable celebration, one to remember for all the right reasons.”

For more information and supports please see www.AskAboutAlcohol.ie and for information on other drugs visit www.drugs.ie.