A new initiative that provides parents with much-needed guidance in talking to their children about the dangers of underage alcohol use and abuse is being launched in Prince Edward Island.
Be Prepared to Talk to Your Children About Drinking is a project of the Prince Edward Island Liquor Control Commission (PEILCC). This guide is a valuable tool for parents who feel uncomfortable or ill-equipped to handle the sensitive situations arising from the use of alcohol by their children.
“This is clearly an important issue and I believe this project will pay dividends,” said Richard Brown, minister responsible for the PEILCC. “I was impressed by the plain language and common-sense guidance the document offers to parents. I urge all parents to take a close look at this guide.”
Minister Brown said parents have a tremendous influence on the behaviour of their children, specifically on the subject of alcohol use. In most instances, parents underestimate the magnitude of alcohol use among children, particularly their own children.
“They are inclined to avoid conversations on the subject and wait until the problem arises which, in some cases, can be too late,” Minister Brown said. “To this point there has been little guidance for parents on the subject, which makes this document even more important.”
Prince Edward Island Liquor Control Commission CEO Wayne MacDougall said the commission has recognized for some time the need for a project such as this.
The Be Prepared to Talk to Your Children About Drinking guide is divided into three sections:
• How to Behave
• What You Should Know, and
• What You Should Say
Some sections discuss the general use of alcohol by all youth with statistical information, while other chapters are designed to deal with more specific age groups, ranging from eight to 18 years of age.
The intent of the guide is not to dictate specific behaviour to parents, but rather to provide information so parents can educate and direct their children through the various situations they are likely to encounter involving alcohol.
“Excessive drinking, intoxication, and alcohol abuse are areas the PEI Liquor Control Commission strives to reduce,” Mr. MacDougall said. “The commission is very serious about promoting moderation and the responsible use of beveraged alcohol and feel that by giving parents this tool it will assist them in their children’s development and in substantially reducing alcohol abuse by future generations.”
The guide is available free of charge on the PEILCC website at www.peilcc.ca. As well, a brochure on the subject is available at all PEILCC retail stores.
“We would like to thank *Educ’Alcool which originally published the guide, from which a number of other provinces have developed a document more suited to their own provincial needs,” Mr. MacDougall said.
*Educ’Alcool is an independent, not-for-profit, organization whose mission is to make Quebecers accountable for their drinking by encouraging informed and moderate behaviour.