I had an opportunity to attend a staff information session hosted by Paul Dillon on Wednesday at the MLC School in Burwood (where I'll be based for Term 1). Dillon is the director of the Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia. The session focused on Teens and underage drinking.
What was most surprising about the presentation was the message that he had for teachers. He told us that with teens, alcohol and the culture of binge drinking amongst Australians, there is really little that we can do to stop the problem. Teens will drink no matter what. How I see it is that we as teachers have to minimise the harm.
We were reminded of the importance of drug education, reminding us that we have to work with parents and the wider community to minimise the risk of harm. Also he explained to us which year group is the most vulnerable which according to research is Year 10. It happens that the biggest increase in underage drinking occurs during that year.
He did give us one piece of advice for teens and drinking and its a lesson that every person can do, not just teachers. That is one reason why I'm posting this entry.
We should be praising those that choose not to drink. They must not be chastised for whatever reason they choose not to drink e.g health, personal preferences, abstinence.
I think this is a big challenge living in a society where it is expected that one drinks in order to be accepted by others and seen as the way of life.
My challenge to you is to see if you can do it too. I know people who don't drink but I don't judge people like that.
