Recent studies into the drinking habits of West Australian teenagers have revealed 27 per cent of 12 to 17-year-olds binge drink or drink at risky levels.

One of the more concerning fact from the report shows a significant increase in at-risk drinking among 12 to 15-year-old girls (30%) compared to young males (24%).

This is some of the information highlighted in a new resource developed by the Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO) that aims to help parents instill responsible drinking attitudes in their children.

DAO community programs manager Grant Akesson said “The Alcohol and Your Family Resource kit was developed in response to a need by parents to have up-to-date, accurate information about talking to their teens about alcohol use,”

“Parents play a key role in the development of their child’s attitudes towards alcohol”.

“They are in an excellent position to provide education on safer alcohol use and to support the development of positive and responsible attitudes and expectations about drinking.”

The Manager of the Midwest Community Drug Service, Mitch Dobbie said the key message behind the kit is that the culture of drinking which includes the promotion and the use of it in society needs to change.

“Providing a positive example, explaining expectations and ensuring adequate supervision where alcohol is supplied are all recommendations made in this resource.” 

The kit contains four booklets:

Hosting a Party for Teenagers provides information on the responsible service of alcohol in private settings and offers tips to reduce alcohol-related harm when hosting a party.

Young People and Alcohol: Helpful Information for Parents aims to increase parental knowledge about the supply of alcohol to their and other people’s teenagers.

Your Party, Your Responsibility explores the legal responsibilities of the host and explains how to encourage responsible drinking and reduce the risks associated with excessive consumption.

Alcohol and the Law which provides a handy checklist of the laws surrounding supply and consumption of alcohol, primarily to those people under 18 years.

The kit is part of the Enough is Enough alcohol education program - a long-term initiative that aims to change the drinking culture in Western Australia and encourage safer drinking settings. 

For copies, phone 9370 0358 or order online at www.health.wa.gov.au/ordering.