We are learning more about how alcohol and drugs affect young people. We now know that no amount of alcohol or drugs is safe for people under age 18.
Many young people under age 18 do not drink or take drugs. But it can be difficult to stop young people experimenting with alcohol and drugs.
There are things you can do to help delay alcohol or drug use for as long as possible.
Be a positive role model for your child
You are a strong role model for your child, even as they become more independent.
Find ways to show your child how you want them to behave and think about alcohol and drugs.
For example:
- do healthy and fun activities together that do not involve alcohol
- consider the way you talk about alcohol - for example, avoid saying things like "I'm so stressed, I need a drink"
- avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope with problems or as a reward
If you want to find out the impact of what you drink, you can use our self-assessment tool.
Avoid giving alcohol to your child
Tell your child you will not provide alcohol at home - even small tastes or zero alcohol options.
This is because young people who get alcohol from their parents are more likely to start drinking earlier or binge drink.
Most parents in Ireland do not give alcohol to young people under age 18.
Drinks labelled as 'non-alcoholic' or 'zero alcohol' can still contain small amounts of alcohol (up to 0.5%). They can make drinking seem more normal.
Set clear rules
Rules show your child that you care and want to protect them. Tell your child you do not want them to drink any alcohol before they are age 18 and to never take drugs.
Create rules together
Create other clear and fair rules together about alcohol and drugs and going out:
Do
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start early - you can tell a child at age 11 or 12 how rules may change when they get to secondary school
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make sure that all parents or guardians follow the rules
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explain why you need rules
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listen to your child's opinions
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give choices where you can
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check that your child understands the rules
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agree what happens if your child breaks the rules - for example, if they buy alcohol, they will not get money for a time
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tell your child that you will help them in a crisis, even if they break a rule
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tell other adults about the rules for your child - it’s easier to say no when all adults say no
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tell your child's friends about the rules
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remember to thank or praise your child when they follow the rules
Explain the risks of alcohol use for young people
The brain continues to develop until around age 25. This means that young people are more sensitive to damage from alcohol. They also cannot assess risks the same way as adults.
No type or amount of alcohol is safe, including:
- small amounts on special occasions
- low alcohol drinks
- zero alcohol products such as non-alcoholic beer
This is because the earlier young people have any alcohol, the more likely they are to:
- have problems with alcohol as an adult
- drink more often or too much
- take risks or behave in unsafe ways - for example, fighting or having unsafe sex
- be a victim of a crime
- have mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression
- have problems with attention and memory
- have other health problems - learn more about alcohol and health
What to explain to your child depends on their age.
Talking to your child about alcohol
Have regular conversations
Have regular and open conversations about alcohol and drugs with your child. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent substance use.
What to explain to your child depends on their age.
Talking to your child about alcohol and drugs
Stay involved in your child's life
Find ways to stay connected and involved in your child's life. If you keep a close bond, they are more likely to come to you for help and listen to your advice.
Having a close relationship also makes it easier for your child to handle peer pressure and strong emotions without turning to alcohol or other drugs.
Do
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do fun things together - let them pick the activity
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ask them open questions about their life and listen without judgement
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get to know their friends
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find out who they are with when they go out
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check how much money they have and how they spend it
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help them find healthy ways to deal with stress or difficult situations
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look for opportunities to have family meals together
Staying safe when they go out
There are things you and your child can do to help them stay safe when they go out.
Things you can do
Do
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check where your child is going and when they will be home
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check that your child is where they say they are - bring them to and from places if you need to
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agree a safe way for them to get home
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tell them things they can say or do if they feel under pressure to drink alcohol or use drugs
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help them to organise activities that do not involve alcohol
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keep alcohol and medicines away from children - lock them in a cupboard if you can
Things your child can do
Tell your child what they can do to stay safe when they are out.
Do
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charge their phone before they go out and keep it on
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call an adult or an ambulance if they or someone else is in trouble
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stay with friends they trust and look out for each other
Don't
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do not leave a party or club alone - or let a friend leave alone
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do not share or steal drinks
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do not take drinks or drugs from strangers or accept drinks they did not see being opened or prepared
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do not mix alcohol with drugs or medicines
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do not leave drinks unattended