Minds Matter
From your College Counsellors
A guide to safe partying
Going out with peers and to parties is part of normal adolescent development. It’s an opportunity to get together, socialise and have fun. However, we know that this can also be a time of stress and uncertainty for parents, so we wanted to share some useful recommendations and resources to help you navigate these discussions with your child.
Firstly, don’t rely on scare tactics; fear-based messaging can motivate certain kinds of low-stakes behaviour changes like going to the dentist, however when it comes to preventing adolescents from using alcohol and other drugs, the evidence is clear: scare tactics don’t work.
It’s important to provide your child with the education and skills they need to make healthy and safe choices. Here are some recommendations we have found useful when talking about alcohol and substance use;
- Get the facts
- Be clear about your own beliefs
- Stay calm
- Avoid judging or lecturing
- Focus on their health
- Set rules and consequences
- Help them to navigate tricky situations
Research tells us that adolescents do listen to their parents when it comes to issues such as alcohol and substance use, particularly if the messages are conveyed clearly, consistently, and respectfully. Talk early and often, in developmentally appropriate ways about your concerns, and theirs, regarding alcohol and substance use. If your child is talking about substance use and you are unsure of the terms/language they are using; refer to the following AOD Acronyms and Slang Dictionary | Dovetail
As a parent, it can be hard at times trying balance your child’s need for freedom and adventure while keeping them safe. For this reason, we’ve added some additional resources below which may help to guide you. With open, respectful communication and explanations of boundaries and expectations, parents can continue to influence their children’s decisions well into adolescence and beyond.
Jess Sexton and Kimberley Greene
College Counsellors/Social Workers
References;
Saying yes or no to a party - Alcohol and Drug Foundation (adf.org.au)