2024-09-05 16:00:16
PUBLISHROOM
How to approach the issue of alcohol with your child or teenager? How to react to their first binge? Many parents feel helpless. To help them, Guylaine Benech, a public health consultant and trainer, offers advice useful in one hundred short key ideas, in his book His first hangover. Positive prevention manual around alcohol (Publishroom Factory, 354 p., 22 euros), which she chose to self-publish.
Based on scientific literature, she draws up an edifying observation. Certainly, alcohol consumption has been decreasing in France since the 1960s, but the country ranks 6th among OECD countries that drink the most, with 10.4 liters of alcohol per year for those aged 15 and over. This is the equivalent of 2.3 standard drinks per day per person. As a reminder, alcohol is the cause of 41,000 deaths each year.
Among young people, the trend is also downward, but “They will get their first hangover on average at the age of 15”writes Guylaine Benech, and this without feeling like we are breaking a taboo, even though the legal age for access to alcoholic beverages is 18.
Banalization of “binge drinking”
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
On the other hand, occasional heavy drinking (API, equivalent to the Anglo-Saxon “binge drinking”, defined by at least five glasses on one occasion) has become commonplace. At 17 years old, 36.6% of them drink heavily at least once a month, according to the Escapad survey in 2022mentioned by the author.
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However, alcohol is particularly toxic in adolescents, as brain maturation continues until around age 25. It is also causing alcoholic comas, black holes (« black out »), but also many deaths in road accidents, violence, particularly sexual violence. Positive point: the proportion of 17-year-olds who have never drunk alcohol (one in five in 2022) continues to increase according to this survey.
Like public health professionals, Ms Benech denounces the influence of “alcohol lobby” on public authorities, preventing any real public health policy in this area. “The alcohol lobby has infiltrated the entire state apparatus (…) and grants itself a right of veto over campaigns”denounces Bernard Basset, president of the association Addictions France, who wrote the preface to the book with the specialist Mickael Naassila.
Dialogue as soon as possible
In 2016, the Court of Auditors denounced the lack of action to reduce alcohol consumption among young people and the shortcomings in prevention at school which “does not take up these subjects”. Because it is from childhood that the relationship with alcohol is built, insists Guylaine Benech.
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Approaching the Issue of Alcohol with Your Child or Teenager: A Comprehensive Guide
As a parent, it can be challenging to address the issue of alcohol with your child or teenager, especially when they experience their first binge. Many parents feel helpless in this situation, but with the right approach and guidance, you can play a significant role in shaping their attitude towards alcohol.
Understanding the Risks Associated with Underage Drinking
Before diving into how to approach the issue, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with underage drinking. According to a study published in 1994, children who were introduced to alcohol before the age of 6 were 1.9 to 2.4 times more likely to report frequent, heavy, or problem drinking at age 15 [[2]]. This highlights the importance of educating your child about the dangers of alcohol from an early age.
The Legal Age and Parental Responsibility
In most countries, the legal age for consuming alcohol is 18, but this doesn’t mean that your child won’t be exposed to it before then. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your child understands the laws surrounding alcohol consumption. Remember, it’s illegal to buy alcohol for anyone under the age of 18, and you could be asked to show identification [[1]].
Binge Drinking: A Growing Concern
Binge drinking, or occasional heavy drinking, has become a common phenomenon among teenagers. In England, 12% of girls and 9% of boys aged 13 reported being drunk at least twice in their lives [[3]]. This is a worrying trend, as binge drinking can lead to serious health problems, including alcoholic comas, black holes, and even deaths in road accidents or violent incidents.
Talking to Your Child: A Preventative Approach
So, how can you approach the issue of alcohol with your child? Guylaine Benech, a public health consultant and trainer, offers valuable advice in her book “His First Hangover” [[source]]. Based on scientific literature, she suggests a preventative approach that involves open and honest communication with your child. Here are some key takeaways:
Start the conversation early: Talk to your child about the dangers of alcohol from an early age, and be open to answering their questions.
Set clear boundaries: Ensure your child understands the legal age for consuming alcohol and the consequences of breaking the law.
Encourage responsible behavior: Teach your child the importance of responsible drinking, and encourage them to make healthy choices.
Be a role model: Show your child what responsible drinking looks like by modeling good behavior yourself.
Confronting the “Alcohol Lobby”
Unfortunately, the “alcohol lobby” can exert significant influence over public health policies, making it challenging to implement effective measures to curb underage drinking. As parents, it’s essential to be aware of this trend and support organizations that advocate for stricter regulations and more effective campaigns to prevent underage drinking.
Conclusion
Approaching the issue of alcohol with your child or teenager requires a preventative approach that involves open communication, clear boundaries, and responsible modeling. By educating yourself and your child about the risks associated with underage drinking, you can help prevent problems later in life. Remember, it’s never too early to start the conversation, and with the right approach, you can play a significant role in shaping your child’s attitude towards alcohol.
References:
[1] Childline. (n.d.). Alcohol. Retrieved from
[2] Fergusson, D. M. (1994). Childhood exposure to alcohol and adolescent drinking. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 55(5), 557-566.
[3] BBC News. (2024). England child alcohol use tops global chart, finds WHO report. Retrieved from
Meta Description: Learn how to approach the issue of alcohol with your child or teenager, including understanding the risks associated with underage drinking, setting boundaries, and promoting responsible behavior.
Keywords: underage drinking, alcohol prevention, parenting advice, teenage drinking, responsible drinking, alcohol education.
Approaching the Issue of Alcohol with Your Teenager: Guidance and Prevention
As a parent, it’s natural to feel helpless when dealing with the complex issue of underage drinking. However, it’s essential to start the conversation early and have it often to help your teenager make informed decisions about alcohol consumption. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 19.9% of youth drink alcohol, highlighting the need for open dialogue and prevention strategies [[2]].
Understanding the Risks of Underage Drinking
Alcohol consumption can have severe consequences for adolescents, whose brains continue to mature until around age 25. It can lead to alcohol-related comas, blackouts, and even deaths in road accidents, violence, and sexual violence. In addition, occasional heavy drinking, also known as binge drinking, has become commonplace among young people, with 36.6% of 17-year-olds drinking heavily at least once a month [[1]].
The Importance of Early Intervention and Prevention
It’s crucial to start the conversation about alcohol with your teenager as soon as possible, even before they reach the legal drinking age of 18. Public health professionals, like Guylaine Benech, emphasize that the relationship with alcohol is built from childhood, making early intervention and prevention essential [[3]].
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
- Initiate open and honest dialogue: Talk to your teenager about the risks and consequences of alcohol consumption, and listen to their concerns and experiences.
- Set clear boundaries and expectations: Establish rules and consequences for underage drinking, and ensure your teenager understands the importance of responsible behavior.
- Monitor and supervise: Keep an eye on your teenager’s activities, especially during social events or gatherings where alcohol may be present.
- Seek help and support: Reach out to resources like SAMHSA’s National Helpline, a free and confidential service providing treatment referral and information [[3]].
Breaking the Taboo: Addressing the Banalization of Binge Drinking
The normalization of binge drinking among young people is a pressing concern. It’s essential to address this issue openly and honestly, highlighting the risks and consequences of such behavior. By working together, parents, caregivers, and public health professionals can create a safer and healthier environment for our youth.
Conclusion
Approaching the issue of alcohol with your teenager requires empathy, open communication, and a commitment to prevention. By starting the conversation early, setting clear boundaries, and seeking help when needed, you can help your teenager make informed decisions about alcohol consumption and promote a healthier, safer lifestyle.
References:
[[1]]Drinkwise. (n.d.). Talking to your teen about alcohol. Retrieved from
[[2]]National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
