Wellbeing Report 

Having the Alcohol Discussion

With the impending festive season and end of school celebrations, some teenagers may be feeling ready to party!

To ensure our young people stay safe during this time, parents and carers are encouraged to have the alcohol discussion - no matter how difficult or overwhelming it may be. It is important to outline the rules and boundaries around age-appropriate alcohol consumption and what the legal implications may be. Young people are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than adults because their brains continue to develop until their mid-twenties. The safest level of alcohol consumption for teenagers, is no alcohol at all, but this may be difficult to enforce and may not prevent them from experimenting. However, parents and carers can influence sensible drinking habits and help minimise the risks.

Our Wellbeing website, ‘SchoolTV’, has a Special Report, where a series of discussion points are offered to help make the conversation about alcohol consumption a little easier. 

Here is the link to your special report:

 https://nazareth.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-having-alcohol-discussion-au

A Guide To Safe Partying

Teenage gatherings provide young people with important opportunities to interact and build on their social skills and experiences. Celebrations, partying and socialising are a fundamental rite of passage and one of the most important aspects of a young person’s life. However, it is possible for the best young person to get carried away with their peers and the euphoria of the moment. For parents and caregivers, keeping your young person safe can at times feel daunting and is often a compromise and a challenge. Most teenagers try to do the right thing most of the time, but your leadership as a role model is crucial. Your child may appear to be physically large and mature, but this is not necessarily matched by their emotional maturity and responsibility in behaviour. Every party has the potential to get out-of-hand as sometimes it’s hard for young partygoers to make good decisions. Communication and regular discussions are vital, particularly because young people are often faced with peer pressure to do things they prefer not to engage in. 

Hosting a celebration at home or at a venue can be a fun and memorable event but it is important to agree on the ground rules well before your event is announced to ensure there are no misunderstandings later on. If hosting an event, you owe your guests a ‘duty-of-care’ and should ensure all reasonable steps are taken to keep partygoers safe. This Special Report provides caregivers with list of things to consider when planning a celebration.

Here is the link to your special report

 https://nazareth.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-guide-safe-partying

Lastly, a big thank you for the way in which you have partnered with us this year - it has been our privilege to work with our students and families.

If you are in need of support over the break, please seek this from the many fantastic organisations we have at our fingertips. We have provided a list of these in the attached document, should you need this. Your GP is always a very good resource also, and can assist you in linking you with other local support services.

On behalf of the Wellbeing and Pastoral team we wish you all a safe and happy holiday with your family and friends. We hope you are able to spend some time with loved ones in the great outdoors, away from screens and enjoying the sunshine and warmth of summer.

Ms Jackie Kol

Director of Wellbeing