By Bonny Burrows
Cardinia shire’s “significant” underage drinking rates will be target by a new program that is soon to be rolled out in high schools.
Cardinia Shire Council, Deakin University and the Federal Government have joined forces to tackle the number of underage drinkers in the region through the $76,690 funding of the Smart Generation program.
The council’s manager of community and family services Pamela Martin said a 2015 council survey revealed significant evidence of underage drinking within the shire, beginning as young as 11.
Results revealed 22 per cent of Grade 6s, 36 per cent of Year 9s and 52 per cent Year 10s had “high lifetime alcohol use” while binge drinking was reported by 19 per cent of Year 10 students in the fortnight prior to undertaking the survey.
It is hoped the program will reduce the rates through teaching Years 8 to 10 students about alcohol’s impact on brain development and the risks to road safety underage drinking brings.
Parents will also be target by the program, with the 2015 study revealing the main supplier of alcohol to students was parents, “representing 60 per cent of Grade 6, 58 per cent of Year 8 and 36 per cent of Year 10 students”.
“The curriculum will involve educating parents of students in Years 8, 9 and 10 on the ways in which they can support their child to abstain from drinking or reduce the amount they are drinking before the age of 18,” Ms Martin said.
Cardinia mayor and father-of-two Brett Owen said parents needed all the support they could get.
“This program will provide parents and young people a way to learn about the significant impacts of alcohol abuse, as well as show them to set rules around appropriate and responsible consumption of alcohol, and open lines of communication on such topics,” councillor Owen said.
McMillian MP Russell Broadbent, who announced the government’s funding for the project on 6 April, said there was a misconception alcohol was a “safe” alternative to illicit drugs which needed to be cleared up.
“We all know the devastation caused by illicit substances like ice, but alcohol still stands as one of the most destructive substances available,” Mr Broadbent said.
“Far from a safe option, it is often a major player in road accidents, violence and addiction.”
The Smart Generation program will be delivered across four Cardinia shire schools in July 2017, while young people who are disengaged from the education sector will also be targeted.
Under the program, the council will also monitor the sale of alcohol in the community through the use of mystery shoppers who have been determined by an independent panel to look under the age of 18.
