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For parents who want to talk to their children about alcohol.
Talking to Children – when we spoke to children they said they wanted to find out more information about alcohol – dilemmas and facts cards would be a good way to do it – they said to pick the good times to chat maybe after soaps or during car journeys – but you know your children best.
Dilemma 2
A pupil at school brings in a bottle, which he says is full of ‘shots’ and offers you some. You don’t really know what they are.
1. He says they are not strong – is it true?
Shots are usually very strong but have their taste disguised by different flavours. This is the same with pop flavoured alcohol (alcopops) - tastes like pop but is as strong as strong lager - this makes it dangerous for young people to drink.
2. He says everyone drinks alcohol. Do you agree?
People often say this to young teenagers but its not true - although a lot of 13 year olds may have occasionally been allowed a sip of wine or beer at home nearly three quarters don’t drink any more than that.
3. He says, “It’s not going to kill you.”
• too much alcohol damages your body and it causes about 30,000 deaths a year (some of these are caused by the immediate effects of alcohol).
• it is probably true though that it won’t kill you immediately but it’s definitely not good for children under 15.
• adult’s bodies are better at dealing with it so if taken in moderation it’s OK.
