Campaign to ensure teenagers dont become a `Schoolies Statistic' kicks off
19 November 2009 Local parents are urged to warn their teenagers about the risks of binge drinking as many local school-leavers prepare for Schoolies Week. The Federal Government’s ‘Don’t Turn a Night Out Into a Nightmare’ National Binge Drinking Campaign has now entered its second phase, which urges parents to speak with teenage children about the impact of excessive alcohol consumption before they leave for Schoolies.
Ms Macklin said that in the lead-up to Schoolies and other end-of-year celebrations, parents should start a conversation with their children before the partying starts.
“After a long school year, teenagers from across our community are gearing up for Schoolies Week, to get together with friends, have fun and blow off some steam,”
The aim of this campaign is to help ensure local teenagers enjoy Schoolies Week and not become a victim of bad decision making,”
“Parents obviously play a critical role in educating teenagers about alcohol and helping them to take a sensible approach towards drinking over the party season,”
“Young people who get drunk at Schoolies events are often away from home and in large groups,”
“They need to look after themselves and their mates. Being drunk increases the risk that they might find themselves in harms way or do something they regret.” Ms Macklin said.
Statistics into the drinking behaviour of young Australians show that:
· 70 Australians aged under 25 will be hospitalised due to alcohol-caused assault in an average week;
· On average, 1 in 4 hospitalisations of 15-25 year olds happen because of alcohol;
· Four Australians aged under 25 die due to alcohol related injuries in an average week.
To help parents speak to their teens, the Rudd Government has developed Alcohol and young people: A guide for parents, a guide that offers practical advice and information.
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