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Barwon Safe Parties - Parents, Parties and Alcohol
Parents have a huge role to play when it comes to Parties and Alcohol.
On this site, you'll find lots of information and links to useful resources about alcohol and young people. In this section we will provide information and support for parents and carers of young people in relation to alcohol and parties.
When looking at how we celebrate as a culture it’s easy see why young people regard alcohol as an essential ingredient for their own celebrations. This can be the cause of many difficult conversations between parents and children.
It’s important to remember that alcohol and binge drinking are not just issues for young people – they affect the whole community.
Background work
What can you do?
- Find out how your child perceives alcohol
- Stress the importance of always looking after your friends when out
- Have a plan – for when they go to a party as well as when you are hosting a party
- Let them know that you will always be available to reach on the phone
- Find out where your children usually get their information about drugs and alcohol
- Do your best to keep communication open and honest between you and your children
Parties
If your child is invited to a party, don’t hesitate to contact the hosts of the party to ask questions such as:
- Will there be adult supervision and what does this mean?
- Who are the adults?
- Will you be providing alcohol?
- Is the party registered with Victorian Police’s Party Safe Program?
- Deciding to host a party for teenagers is a big responsibility, and it is understandable to refuse at times.
It is important to remember that parties can be a good opportunity to build on your relationship with your teenager, so if you are agreeing to host a party, planning is the key to success and it should be done together with your teenager.
Considerations if hosting a party
Some things to consider and discuss:
- Could you register your party with Victoria Police’s Party Safe program?
- What food will be available?
- Will there be alcohol served? If yes, how will it be controlled - under age guests etc?
- How will you avoid gatecrashers or handle them if they turn up?
- Will you use professional security?
- What will you do in an emergency?
- How will guests get home safely?
- What will be the start and the finish time?
- How will you notify neighbours?
More Information
- Teen Drinking Law Since 1 November 2011 it is now against the law in Victoria to serve alcohol in a private home to anyone under 18, unless their parent or guardian has given permission.
- Parent Strategies has developed the Parenting Guidelines for the Prevention of Adolescent Alcohol Use and gives parents the opportunity to obtain immediate, personalised feedback on their parenting around the issue of alcohol based on the recommendations made in the Guidelines.
- DrugInfo has published a helpful booklet on Hosting Teenage Parties.
- For more services and info please look under Parent Networks.
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Documentation
Download further information