Parenting Daily

This could be an incredibly controversial post. I’m going to post it anyway and make clear that I’m not recommending you do or don’t do this. I see both sides of it, the same way I see both sides on the topic of condom distribution in public schools. One side would say, “They’re going to do it anyway, we may as well encourage them to be safe.” The other side says, “That sends the message that we’re condoning the activity.”

This week I read an article that summarizes the results of a study about reducing harm in college students who choose to drink. Though the study was performed on 247 college-age students, I think the results can still apply to teenagers.

Some teenagers are going to choose to drink, no matter what they say, pledge, what your family’s values are, or which extracurricular activities they are involved in. Similarly, some teenagers may never express a desire to remain sober but will do so, regardless of peer pressure or any opportunities they have to drink alcohol.

So as I present some of the findings of the “safer drinking” study, it will be up to you if you think it’s worth a conversation with your teen. It doesn’t have to mean that you’re condoning underage drinking (or any age drinking) but some parents may find it worth talking about in this age of hearing about people dying from binge drinking.

Some of the strategies to reduce harmful effects while drinking:

*eating before and during the drinking period

*drinking slowly

*plan your transportation before hand (akin to designating a driver)

*travel in pairs (the buddy system worked when they were in elementary school and it’s still prudent!)

*limit the cash you carry, take no credit/debit/ATM cards

*doing activities in-between drinks such as playing pool, dancing, etc.

Strategies to reduce harmful effects from drinking are not new. More strategies can be found at this site for HAMS (Harm Reduction Abstinence Moderation Support). HAMS has also published this guide on safe drinking for college students.

Comments welcome!

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