• our next webinar, hosted by Paul Dillon, on how parents can keep their teenager safe at parties and events
• the Illicit Project pilot study, a new drug education program that is looking for schools to take part in testing the program

• Young people whose parents show they approve of alcohol are more likely to misuse alcohol. Approval of alcohol can be shown through conversation (for example, parents talking about how much fun they had at a time when they were drinking) or actions (for example, supplying your child with alcohol to take to a party)
• Parents' own use of alcohol can influence their child's use. Be aware of how often and how much you drink, as children often model their parents' behaviour
• Supplying teenagers with alcohol, even in the home, increases their risk of binge drinking and problems with alcohol throughout their life

• Having clear rules about alcohol and other drug use is one of the best ways to help guide your child's behaviour. This can be especially effective if you can meet with other parents from the school community and agree on rules and expectations. This helps with consistency and means your child can't try this line on you: "but everyone else's parents let them do ..." 
• Have a conversation with your child about drugs and alcohol. Watch Positive Choices' webinar on How to Talk with Teenagers about Alcohol Use, or read our factsheet here.
• Provide teenagers with a choice to participate in drug- and alcohol-free activities, such as sport, or give them leadership roles. Organising community events such as midnight basketball or open-air movie nights can be a great way to move the focus of social events away from drugs and alcohol. Involving young people in planning these events is important

Teenage parties provide young people with valuable opportunities to develop a range of social skills that they need to relate effectively with their peers. As they get older alcohol is more likely to become a part of these social gatherings and, unfortunately, things can go wrong. 

This presentation will examine what we know about school-based young people and alcohol use and its use at parties. It will also provide practical strategies and simple tips for parents considering allowing their teen to attend such events to help ensure they are as safe as possible. 

Benefits

This webinar will provide: 

• information about teenage parties and the involvement of alcohol
• practical strategies and advice for parents to make sure their child is a safe as possible when attending a party 

• Alcohol and the growing adolescent brain
• Recreational drugs and the reward pathway
• Mental health and wellbeing