Thinking about drinking
A policewoman and an alcohol education trainer from Odyssey House presented information about alcohol and the law in two separate sessions to Mount Scopus Memorial College’s Year 6 students and parents in Melbourne.
LSC McIver with Mount Scopus pupils
Leading Senior Constable McIver explained details of the new law of secondary supply of alcohol which holds parents legally responsible for ensuring that they do not supply alcohol to underage youth. The law in Victoria was updated in November 2011 and accords with most other states in Australia. Breaking this law carries a penalty of a fine of up to $7000.
Kathleen Orr of Odyssey House spoke about the dangers of alcohol misuse and teenage binge-drinking in particular.
At the parent session, McIver and Orr presented briefly and then parents were encouraged to ask questions and voice their concerns.
JCCV Youth Alcohol Project Manager Debbie Zauder stated “It was clear that parents are very concerned and acknowledge that alcohol misuse is a big problem.
“YAP offers up to date and relevant information about alcohol for youth and their parents. Preventative style education on this topic for Year 6 students is vital, as this is the age they start attending bar and batmitzvah parties where alcohol is widely available.”
The sessions were organised by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria’s (JCCV) Youth Alcohol Project (YAP).
For more information on future YAP sessions in the community please contact Debbie Zauder Youth Alcohol Project (YAP) Manager at dzauder@jccv.org.au.
