Teenage alcoholism is a worldwide problem with over 60% of young people being reported as alcoholics. This is especially rampant among young people between the ages of 14 and 25. Just like any other drug, alcohol can cause serious problems ranging from social, physical and even death in some instances.
The problems associated with teenage alcoholism are the same as what we see in adults including hangovers, headaches, shakiness, nausea and vomiting. However, teenage alcoholism can also result in lowered academic performance, legal problems and serious and long-term injuries. For these reasons, it is important for parents to devote serious time with their children to teach them about alcoholism, as well as the dangers of drinking and driving.
Teaching Teens About Drinking & Driving
It is common knowledge that parents cannot completely prevent their children from alcoholism but it is strongly believed that they can instil proper knowledge about alcoholism in their children. Parents should consider the followings things when trying to teach their children about alcoholism and driving.
Be a role model
Parents should understand the most obvious fact that they are their children’s first role models. Most children grow up looking at their parents’ behavior and how the parents conduct themselves around the home. Being a good role model to a child will help their behavioral habits. Any good parent should try to make sure that what he or she is doing is displaying good morals to the child.
Educate them
Educate the child about the link between drinking alcohol and dangerous behavioral outcomes, such as death due to drinking and driving, unsafe sex and even legal consequences that are often a result of alcoholism. Parents can even cite some good examples that the child is familiar with.
Alcohol & Peer Pressure
Teach them the rule of assertiveness. Let them learn how to say no when they mean it. Teach them how to reject bad influence in a polite manner. This is very crucial as it will allow the child to avoid the pitfalls of peer pressure. Not learning how to say no leads to the dangers of drinking or getting into a car with a friend who has been drinking.
Don’t simply lecture your child on the dangers of drinking and driving. Teach him or her how to get a designated driver or how to use alternative means of transport when they have been drinking. This can even include using public means of transport back home. Parents can even encourage the child to call home when he or she is drunk and cannot drive. Hopefully, they will not give in to drinking but if they do, you want them to be able to get home safely.
To learn about our safe-driving tips for teens or car repair services, contact Meyer’s Automotive today.