DrinkWise Ambassador Dr Andrew Rochford.
Today’s teenagers are drinking at a younger age and at risky levels. The average Australian starts drinking alcohol at 15.5 years; and more than a quarter of our 14-19 year olds are putting themselves at risk of alcohol-related harm at least once a month.
From when your child turns 12 years old until they reach about 24 years their brain is forming all the parts needed for learning, memory, planning, emotional stability, and thinking. Alcohol can disrupt this.
Your child trusts you and relies on you for information and advice. Research shows that they believe that you should teach them about alcohol.
Most Australian parents think that they should start a conversation with their kids on alcohol before they reach 12 years of age. But, talking to kids about alcohol and setting the boundaries and expectations to keep them safe can be a daunting task.
In order to help parents approach this issue, DrinkWise has developed a 5-Point Plan presented by Dr Andrew Rochford that provides practical advice on how to be a positive influence and DELAY your child’s introduction to alcohol.
The DrinkWise 5-Point Plan:
1. Discuss the issue
2. Educate by example
3. Listen and engage
4. A good relationship
5. Your expectations
On the DrinkWise website you will find practical videos with Andrew Rochford discussing each of the 5 tips in detail. Here you will also find a range of practical information for parents and carers to help you be a positive influence on your children’s drinking behaviour.
