The Australian Drug Foundation’s campaign to urge education leaders to adopt alcohol management strategies at school events involving parents is sound sensible and deserving of support.
Some schools, however, have been well ahead of the foundation, imposing their own bans on alcohol consumption at school events which involve parents and adult members of the community. Bans have been in place at some schools in this region for years.
It is important school children understand alcohol is not a necessary inclusion at every event and function involving parents. Parents too need to understand that sending a positive message to school students is also just as important.
Any objections are likely to come from the parents, not the school administrators or the students.
Arguments that school children witness alcohol consumption at home, at sporting clubs and other social engagements miss the point.
Alcohol is banned at schools, and therefore, it is logical that the bans stretch beyond the students to the parents when at sanctioned school events.
With alcohol consumption a significant social and health issue, it is one of the key subject areas in health education lessons.
Practising what is preached is not only solid reinforcement but an important move to push for cultural change.
Australia’s boozy attitude has remained unchecked for too long. Restrictions on alcohol consumption around children in environments
where children are the main focus is a responsible step forward.
It falls into line with the health
messages warning of the dangers of binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption, directed at the moment at parents and adults.
Away from schools there is also talk of banning alcohol consumption at sporting events. This will be harder to progress as a drinking culture is well and truly entrenched at adult sporting fixtures.
The sale of alcohol is also a major source of revenue for many sporting clubs.
Starting with bans at school events, however, is a good outcome for everyone, including the parents.
