What Are Your Children Doing During Schoolies?

Concern that young people under the influence of alcohol could be a danger to themselves and others

By Carol McCormack - 18th November 2002 - Back to News

Do you know what your teenager is doing during Schoolies Week? This is a question that Bass Coast Shire Council would like every parent to ask themselves in the coming weeks as school finishes and teenagers everywhere celebrate.

"We are very concerned about underage drinking taking place in the Shire during the coming weeks," said Cr John Gains, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council. "During schoolies week last year, police officers, local laws officers and youth services officers reported students as young as 13 or 14 affected by alcohol."

"While Victoria Police and Council officers can endeavor to educate young people about the dangers associated with the consumption of alcohol, it is ultimately up to parents to take responsibility for their children," said Cr Gains.

Throughout the next few weeks, Police Officers, Local Laws officers, and youth services officers and volunteers will be undertaking street patrols of local business areas and other places people congregate. They will be talking to young people and letting them know what activities are happening in the area. They will also be talking to them about local laws, such as drinking in public places.

According to the State Government’s Better Health website (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au), alcohol is responsible for most drug related deaths in the teenage population and is associated with a variety of serious health risks.

"Of course, drinking can impair judgement and we are really concerned that young people under the influence of alcohol could be a danger to themselves and others," said Cr Gains. "Swimming while intoxicated or drink driving are just two of these dangers."

"I implore parents to speak to their teenagers about what they will be doing during schoolies," he said.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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