TALK WITH YOUR TEENAGER
Ask your teenager about their plans for the day, whether people are going to be drinking alcohol, and what they think about that. Tell them what you think about drinking and that you view them drinking alcohol as unacceptable.
Teenagers care what their parents say – even if it doesn’t always seem like it at the time. Show that you’re there for them, whatever happens. It’s always better that your teenager knows they can come home drunk, even if that’s unacceptable to you.
It's chaos on New year's Eve. Everyone's drunk. People are throwing up and running around town.
Greta, aged 15, Umeå
DON’T BUY THEM ALCOHOL
Young people who are given alcohol by their parents drink more. And if you buy them alcohol, you’re also telling them that it’s OK to drink, even if you’re not an adult. Some parents think that it’s OK to give their teenagers alcohol on special occasions, such as the end of the school year or at Midsummer. But warning your child about alcohol and then helping them to drink makes no sense, even if it’s only for one evening. Teenagers deal best with clarity and consistency.
TALK TO OLDER SIBLINGS AND FRIENDS
Many teenagers get ahold of alcohol through their boy- or girlfriends, friends, or other adults. Talk to the people over the age of 20 who are around your teenagers, and help them say, ”No”. Tell them that you expect them to be mature enough not to buy alcohol on your teenager’s behalf and that you need to present a united front on the subject.
KEEP AN EYE ON THINGS
Make sure that your teenager has their phone with them, or that you can get in touch with them in some way during the evening. Maybe you can agree in advance on a time or times when you can check in? And ask your teenager to let you know if their plans change.
It’s also a good idea for at least one adult to remain completely sober, so that they can drive if your teenager needs picking up. Maybe you can also get together with other parents and be out and about that evening. But tell your teenager about it first so that they understand you’re not spying on them – you’re just being there for them if something happens.
"There are always loads of pictures from parties and stuff on social media the day after some big holiday!.
Fredrika, aged 16, Gothenburg
TALK TO OTHERS
Talk to other parents about what you think is reasonable and what the rules are when it comes to times, for example. If your opinions differ, you can talk about it, but don’t feel you have to change your mind. You’re always the one who decides what goes for your child.
SUGGEST ACTIVITIES
There are a lot of things young people can do during holidays. Maybe you can help your teenager find something suitable to do for your teenager and their friends – something that prevents them drinking alcohol or wandering aimlessly around town.