You may be shocked and surprised to learn that in a 2007 survey of Bermuda's youth, the average age for drinking alcohol regularly was 14 years old. This is a terrifying figure, because it is known that a person who begins consuming alcohol before the age of 15 is 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence (alcoholism) than someone who watis until age 21. 

To see how to talk with your children about alcohol click here

As an adult, here's how you can prevent and stop underage drinking:

Do not give, buy or serve alcohol to young people under the age of 18
Giving alcohol to someone who is under the age of 18, or turning a blind eye when a young person is consuming alcohol is dangerous and irresponsible. Some adults use alcohol as a special occasion celebration, allowing young people to have a sip of beer, wine or champagne at special events. For the reasons stated earlier this is very harmful and dangerous.

Model responsible alcohol behavior infront of young people
Simply stated, children copy adults' behavior, therefore model restraint and set a good example. Your children will grow up to do what they have SEEN you do. If you choose to drink you can positively influence young people by drinking in moderation and never driving if you have been drinking. If you or your partner struggle with alcohol use, seek proffessional help. Call 295 5982.

Don't keep alcohol in your house, or lock it up 
Take the alcohol out of your fridge and lock it up. Or better yet, don't keep alcohol in your house.

To see how to talk with young people about alcohol click here

Talk with young people about why alcohol is harmful for them
Tell them that underage drinking is against the law and for good reason. Explain that alcohol is harmful for young people whose brains and bodies are still growing and developing. Begin talking with young people when they are 7, 8 and 9 years old. Make sure they know you do not expect them to consume alcohol or use drugs.  Explain that there will be consequences if you discover they have stepped outside this rule. Unless you are clear about your rules and your position, children may be confused and thus tempted to use. Explain that you love them and are making these rules to keep them safe and healthy.   

To see how to talk with your children about alcohol click here

Have high expectations of your children
And tell your children what those expectations are. Tell them regularly what your expectations of them are, and there is strong likelihood that your children will begin to live up to your expectations. Tell them that you expect them to do well in school. Tell them that you expect them to refuse and stay away from alcohol or drugs. We must have expectations of our children and we must tell them what these expectations are.

Get your child involved in extra-curricular activities
Get your child involved in at least one sport or hobby and have them spend at least three hours/week with that sport/hobby. Additionally, enrol your child in some form of community service which they perform at least once/week.

Give love and praise to your children
Provide a high level of love and support to them, tell them you love them, spend time with them, listen to them. Be actively involved in helping them to succeed in school and in life.

Recognize good behaviour
Always let your children know how happy you are that they respect the rules of the household by praising them. Emphasize the things your children do right instead of focusing on what's wrong. When parents are quicker to praise than to criticize, children learn to feel good about themselves, and they develop the self-confidence to trust their own judgment.

To see how to talk with your children about alcohol click here

 

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