Advice for Parents

In order to support parents in the decisions that they have to make relating to where their child goes and what they do on Hallowe’en  night, Drink Think and the Carnival Care team have pulled together some information which may be useful, together with links to other organisations that can provide more detailed information and advice during the Hallowe’en  celebrations.

Safety Guidelines to discuss with young people

• Talk to your child and make plans ahead of time about how they will be enjoying the Hallowe’en  festivities.

• Hallowe’en  is a time when a lot of binge drinking can and does occur; alcohol is less likely to be taken in a sensible manner.

• The average age for a first alcoholic drink in Northern Ireland is 11 years old.  Therefore, be aware that your child may be considering drinking alcohol.  Discuss the risks associated with alcohol and the possible actions that can come about because of alcohol e.g. anti social behaviour or other risk taking behaviour, accidents or alcohol poisoning.  Some parents may feel that giving their child a small amount of alcohol or buying their child alcohol in their early teens is ok and will help them develop a responsible attitude towards alcohol and sensible drinking.  There is no evidence to support this and research shows that the earlier a child starts drinking the higher his or her risk of serious alcohol related problems in later life.

• The brain is still developing in the late teenage years with parts not fully developing until their early 20s.

• Alcohol can reduce your child’s inhibitions and make them do things that are out of character.

• Alcohol is linked with depression and coupled with doing things your child would not normally do, this can affect their mental health and self esteem.

• It is illegal to purchase drink for under 18s.  If you are found to be buying alcohol for minors or sending them to buy alcohol, you could face a fine of up to £5000 or prison of up to 6 months or both.

Hallowe’en  checklist for you and your child

• Discuss and agree where your child will be on the night.

• Discuss and agree with your child on a reasonable time to be home.

• Discuss and agree with your child on how they will get to and from an event.

• Arrange a meeting point e.g. Guildhall, The Diamond or the City Hotel.

• You and your child should ensure that you can be contacted.  It is wise to have a friend’s number and/or have the phone number and address of the event (if practical).

• If your child is going to a friend’s house, find out which adults will be present.

• As a parent it would be wise to moderate your alcohol intake in case of emergency.  If you have agreed to be driver for the night, avoid drinking alcohol as it is an offence to drink and drive where you could be a danger to yourself or others.

• Never ever drink and drive.

If you find that your child has drunk excessively, try to remain calm and talk to them when they have sobered up.  Explain how you feel and encourage them to talk about why it happened.