See also: Part 2 – PSHE

Typical questions

Considerations

This can be an emotive issue, so tread carefully when dealing with enquiries. Many will be for school topics, but occasionally the enquiry could be from a concerned parent. Some excellent websites are given below and most libraries will have a fairly good collection of books on the subject. As with many subjects that affect teenage health and lifestyle, you may find that you need to venture out of the children's library and into the general non-fiction collection. Also look at the suggestions in Part 2 – PSHE.

Where to look

Bremner, P. et al. (June 2011) Young People, Alcohol and Influences, report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Available to download either as a summary or as a full report, www.jrf.org.uk/publications/young-people-alcohol-and-influences

Other related reports are available too, including:

Percy, A. et al. (2011) Teenage Drinking Cultures and Eadie, D. et al. (2010) Pre-teens Learning about Alcohol: drinking and family contexts

Lynett, R. (2009) Alcohol, Heinemann, The Real Deal series

Ridley, S. (2010) Alcohol, Franklin Watts, How Can I Be Healthy series

Your Kids and Alcohol

This offers parents facts and advice on the best ways to approach their children on the subject of alcohol and alcohol consumption. It outlines government guidelines and provides useful contacts for parents who believe that their child may have problems resulting from alcohol abuse. Available to download from www.education.gov.uk/publications, Select Children and Families, then Health and Disabilities.

Websites

Alcoholics Anonymous

PO Box 1

10 Toft Green

York Y01 7ND

Helpline: 0845 769 7555

www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Click on Message for Young People.

Child and Youth Health

www.cyh.com

Select Teen Health for 12–17, then Drugs and alcohol. Bear in mind that this is an Australian site. Well worth a visit.

Drinkaware

www.drinkaware.co.uk

Click on Talking to under 18s from the top menu. Select either Professionals or Parents. Under Professionals you will find factsheets for under-18s available to download and research reports. Under Parents you will find information on the law on alcohol, talking to your child about alcohol, advice and much more. Well worth a visit.