Dropping the Ball?

24/07/2007 | School Balls should they be held

Ball problems reflect youth drinking issues. School balls have been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons and parents should take note of the issues raised.

MidCentral Health Promoter Martin Macmaster thinks last month’s problems at a secondary school ball are not a unique phenomenon and clearly illustrate some of the issues and risks around youth drinking.

“If this happens at a well supervised ‘dry’ function where some form of consequences can be expected for misbehaviour, what is the likely behaviour at other parties or places where alcohol flows freely and supervision may be minimal?” The after-balls are a case in point but he could be talking about any weekend party.

“Some teenagers attend a lot of parties and there are ongoing issues around supply and consumption of alcohol and how this may be impacting on them.” The after-balls are traditional events that are often attended by those not accustomed to attending drinking parties and so, with four more balls to go in the city, it is a good time to remind all parents of the potential problems with alcohol and young people.

He thinks some parents have convinced themselves nothing can go wrong with youth drinking but a little reflection will tell them this is unfortunately not true. Instances like the out of control text-driven party in Christchurch are frequent events and it only takes one idiot to cause trouble. Mr Macmaster says: “Unfortunately finding an idiot out of a hundred intoxicated teenagers is not difficult.”

Though teenagers are not the only ones who drink to excess, their immaturity and lack of experience mean trouble may not be far away. When we remember how alcohol affects us – lowering inhibitions, reducing co-ordination and critical thinking – it’s not surprising our kids, male and female, can become victims, make stupid decisions or get hurt. Getting vomiting drunk at a school “formal” shows someone’s not thinking or is drinking more than they can handle. We adults need to take off our rose-coloured spectacles, consider our own experiences and talk realistically about how to keep safe.

He thinks many parents have been pressured into no longer asking where their kids are or if there’ll be any adults present. Many have also been persuaded that it’s their obligation to supply alcohol on demand “because everyone else does”.

Aside from considering the amount of alcohol, and the party details, there are strategies to discuss that can help kids keep safe. Face-saving code words, planning rides, sticking together, check-in times, and plans for “if things go wrong” can all be handy.

If hosting a party, discuss rules around supervision, amounts of alcohol, food and transport and of course – plan for the unexpected – like gatecrashers. And hey – have you thought about talking to the other parents? You might be surprised what they really think.

Even if your child is not attending a ball or a party, maybe these events – including the intoxicated teens last month - are a chance to open a dialogue about alcohol. Without shutting down the channels of communication perhaps some information and some ground rules need to be discussed.

ALAC have an excellent booklet ‘Alcohol, your kids, and you’ which is available from them on 0508 258 258 or through the Public Health Unit (350 9110). Get hold of one, think about what you want for your kids and keep them safe. While they may be senior students they are still young and it’s your job to protect them – not just provide them the means to cause harm and step out of the way.

[FYI.. balls still to come in Palmerston North: Sat 28th July – Freyberg, and QEC. Saturday 4th August – Boys’ High, and Awatapu.]