This week this news has come through various means: the age of alcohol initiation among young Spaniards is around 13 years. Against this background, it is not surprising that health authorities have initiated a campaign for the prevention of alcohol consumption among young people: "Talking with them today will avoid a bad drink tomorrow".
The Ministry of Health, Social Policy and Equality have launched the Prevention and Education for Health Campaign on the Risks of Alcohol Consumption in Children 2011, aimed at the entire population, especially those under 13 to 18 years and responsible for their education, among which, of course, we find parents prominently.
Under the slogan with which we lead these lines, the initiative aims to raise awareness in society of the problem of initiating, increasingly early, alcohol consumption. In the video the campaign emphasizes the passing of the years in childhood and the more or less habitual wishes of children.
When they are children, they want to be astronauts, superheroes, athletes, veterinarians, music stars ... Until they reach age 13 and then "normal" is that they drink alcohol. But since that's not normal, Talk to the children today, avoid a bad drink tomorrow, avoid that initiation in the consumption of alcoholic beverages that many risks entail for your health.
Of course it is not easy to talk about it and that they understand it when they see that the athletes advertise beers or that the elderly drink for celebrations or for the aperitif. In our society, alcohol is established as a form of leisure and socialization, so it is important to look at these details and offer children a realistic perspective on the matter, adapting to their age.
The campaign is carried out through various information media and communication channels and all the information about it is hosted on the Alcohol in minors website, which is not normal, which contains data on alcohol consumption in minors and its prevention, as well as Frequently asked questions and links of interest.
For example, although it is aimed at parents with older children, the "Talk to them" publication is very interesting, with guidelines and advice for parents or guardians who want to discuss the issue with young people aged 12 to 16 years.
Prevention in the family environment of problems derived from alcohol consumption
These are some keys to prevention in the family:
- Promote the development of skills and personal resources of children.
- Promote family protection factors, links through improved communication, development of self-esteem and autonomy.
- Intervene early with children of consumers.
- Involve the family in school programs.
- It is positive to foster links with the family-family-school.
According to the School Survey on Alcohol and Drugs in Spain (ESTUDES) 2010-2011, the average age of onset of alcohol consumption among minors in Spain is 13.7 years.
Most respondents are unaware that the onset of alcohol consumption in adolescence four times increases the probability of suffering from personality disorders and increases twice the possibility of being alcoholic before the age of 24.
These data are like not to ignore this issue, I think that however small the children may be, we can explain what is wrong with consuming alcohol, and try to be consistent with ourselves because, as in everything, we are your role model.
