I read with interest today the latest research done in Melbourne, conducted by researchers at Melbourne University’s Youth Mental Health Centre. I was particularly interested in this research, as this field of research is the very reason my son Mike went to Melbourne to train in psychiatry. He wishes to eventually specialise in adolescent psychiatry. The research has contradicted earlier advice to parents on how to help their teenagers develop responsible drinking habits. Talking to teenagers about alcohol in the hope they will develop good drinking habits doesn’t work! However parents can influence their children by limiting the availability of alcohol and fostering a good relationship with their children. The researchers also say children under 15 shouldn’t drink alcohol at all, as if this is done, there is a significant risk factor for developing alcohol-related problems later in life. Strategies suggested from the research include; parents setting an example in terms of mature drinking and behaviour, limiting availability of alcohol, parental disapproval of teenage drinking and good parent-child relationships involving support and communication. This adds weight to my feeling that many parents of teenagers in Havelock North do not take a responsible attitude to their drinking and the drinking of their children. They do not model appropriate drinking behaviour themselves and we wonder why we have a teenage drinking culture in our village!

1. Tanz Says:
   September 27th, 2010 at 4:55 pm

   Hi there
   Just wondering if it would be possible to get a link to the study you mention. As a concerned parent of a 7yr old I am interested in opening up this discussion with my daughters Dad, and feel like having the study to refer to would be a good place to start
   Thanks, Tanz

2. Mandy Says:
   September 27th, 2010 at 5:08 pm

   Hi Tanz
   I googled the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry after reading the research in the paper, I hope this helps. Cheers Mandy