Alcohol and xmas – Do you know where your kids are tonight?

A thought-provoking publicity campaign launches at Rotherham, Arts Theatre on Wednesday, 10 December. The campaign aims to improve awareness and communication between parents/carers and teenagers about the dangers of alcohol misuse. This timely local campaign reflects the increased national drive and strategies announced today in the Queen’s Speech to reduce alcohol misuse and heighten awareness, particularly amongst vulnerable groups like young people.

To launch the campaign, there will be a red carpet premiere of an alcohol awareness DVD called ‘Call It A Night’, to be used across Rotherham schools and other local outlets. This DVD involves Rotherham’s young actors and actresses who will be present to watch the film for the first time and there will be a presentation of certificates to them to acknowledge their achievements. Key speakers will also be present.

As part of the campaign, on display in local pubs, clubs, schools and other public places, posters and postcards will ask parents/carers to consider how much their teenagers are drinking and what they are doing in their free time – and to ask that crucial question: ‘Where are my kids tonight?”. The campaign also encourages young people to look out for the well being of their friends and to explore other ways to spend their leisure time.

This project was made possible by a successful bid to Tackling Violent Crime Monies by the Night Time Economy Group – a subsidiary of the Safer Rotherham Partnership.

Mel Howard, Rotherham Alcohol and Drug Strategy Team Co-ordinator says:

“Christmas is a time when young people can be exposed to more alcohol than normal through parties, pub and club promotions and seeing more alcohol in the home. When alcohol is abused it affects judgment and can lead to young people especially engaging in risky behaviour. The good news is that parents can make a big difference. Where parents are known to communicate with their teenagers, these young people are less likely to engage in risky behaviour.''

Chief Inspector Marissa Cooper says: ''The ultimate aim of this campaign is to make sure young people are safe and healthy. Hopefully it will act as a reminder to both young people and parents about the consequences of alcohol abuse.''

Paul Theaker, Young Persons Substance Misuse Commissioner, adds: ''I think that this project is quite unique in its approach in providing useful and easily accessible information and advice to parents about the dangers of inappropriate alcohol use in young people. The campaign is the brainchild of the Night time economy group which is made up of a range of stakeholders from statutory and non-statutory agencies committed to partnership working to tackle the problems caused by drug and alcohol misuse within the community.''

Parents can help by providing rules about whether to allow some supervised safe drinking or not to allow drinking alcohol at all. Some helpful tips for parents thinking about allowing teenagers to drink some alcohol, include:

• Try not to over-react if a young person drinks against your wishes – try talking about why it happened
• Positive communication with young people reduces risky behaviour
• Set clear, consistent boundaries – some drinks or none at all
• Safety is paramount – know where they are and how they are getting home
• Remember – you are their role model.
  If you have any concerns about your child drinking alcohol or need advice, contact: Rotherham Young People's Substance Misuse Service on www.callitanight.co.uk.