Parent FAQs for New Years
Should I buy alcohol for my child?
Studies have shown that adolescents are less likely to drink and less likely to engage in binge drinking if parents actively disapprove of this behaviour. Conversely, adolescents whose parents display a permissive attitude towards alcohol consumption tend to drink more.
(Hayes, L., Smart, D., Toumbourou, J.W. & Sanson, A. (2004).
Parenting Influences on Adolescent Alcohol Use. Report prepared by the Australian Institute of Family Studies for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Canberra: Australian Institute of Family Studies)
IF MY CHILD IS UNDER 18?
Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 there are specific rules around supplying alcohol to minors, regardless of whether you are their parent or not. Police make this very clear in the lead up to New Years, and in previous years have fined parents for buying their children alcohol if it has been determined to not have been supplied responsibly.
IF MY CHILD IS OVER 18?
When a student's money to purchase alcohol comes from their own pocket they are more price-sensitive and tend to purchase and consume less. School leavers are also less likely to share their alcohol with others if they have had to pay for it themselves.
Many Councils implement liquor bans in public spaces during the New Years period so it is important to be aware of these to prevent your young person from getting fined.
Could I be fined for supplying alcohol to my child?
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 places more responsibility on those who provide alcohol to young people and gives parents more control.
You can only supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years if:
* you are their parent or legal guardian; or
* you have express consent from their parent or legal guardian; or
* the young person is married, in a civil union or living with a de facto partner.
Express consent may include a personal conversation, an email or a text message that you have good reason to believe is genuine.
The law applies to everyone, regardless of their age, who supplies alcohol to a young person. Unless you're certain you have permission from a minor's parent or legal guardian, don't give alcohol to anyone under 18.
There's a penalty of up to $2000 for breaching the law.
SUPPLY ALCOHOL RESPONSIBLY TO YOUNG PEOPLE
Anyone (including parents) who supplies alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years must do so responsibly.
For example, you should make sure food and non-alcoholic drinks are available, arrange safe transport, and take steps to supervise the drinking and limit the strength and amount of alcohol that's supplied.
The penalty for failing to supply alcohol responsibly is a fine of up to $2000.
How can I prevent becoming a grandparent over New Years?
As embarrassing as it is for both you and your child to discuss their sexual activity at New Years, they will definitely be surrounded with sexual propositions, expectations, and opportunities. On top of this, they may be away from home without supervision for possibly the first time. It's important they become aware that being surrounded with pressure from peers plus the prevalence of alcohol means decision-making will be much harder, and they need to remain true to themselves.
Alcohol is proven to lower inhibitions and impair judgement, and it does affect a person’s ability to say ‘no’.
Discuss options with your child about setting up accountability with their friends. Things that have worked in the past include:
1. Each person in the group of friends has a designated sober night to look after their mates.
2. Friends are made accountable to one another to make sure no-one goes off with someone alone.
Make sure your child is aware of the consequences of sexual activity outside of a committed relationship. Talk to your young person about whether or not they would like to become a mother or father during New Years and the responsibilities that could entail.
What can I do to help prepare my child for New Years?
End of year celebrations are often the first time a young person has gone on vacation on their own. As a parent, this can be daunting in itself! We’ve taken some time to put together some of our top tips for parents in preparing their young person for New Years.