HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Helping your teen develop lower-risk drinking habits
Te āwhina i tō rangatahi kia whakawhanake i ngā tikanga inu waipiro haumaru
Parents and caregivers can have a positive influence on the relationship rangatahi (young people) have with alcohol. You can help them develop healthier habits around alcohol in several ways including:
- talking with them about the effects of alcohol
- communicating your expectations around acceptable drinking and setting clear boundaries
- limiting the availability of alcohol
- being a good role model and limiting your drinking in front of rangatahi. How parents and caregivers behave, and their own drinking habits are critical.
Concerns about drinking
If you are worried that a rangatahi may be drinking too much, you could try to talk to them about your concerns. You could also encourage them to talk to their general practice team. It might be reassuring for them to know that health providers have to keep all information about their medical care confidential. If they would prefer to see a different doctor and are in Christchurch, they can see one for free at Te Tahi Youth (phone (03) 943‑9298).
Manu Ka Rere is free for rangatahi (young people) aged 13 to 24 who may have mental health or alcohol and drug issues. The service provides short-term intervention, which includes assessment, treatment and support. It also coordinates and supports rangatahi and their whānau (families) to get longer term treatment if needed. Rangatahi can refer themselves to the service. A health professional, community agency, teacher or parent can also refer them.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Amohia te Waiora – Information for parents and caregivers
The Health Promotion Agency's alcohol website includes information about what influences young people's drinking habits and what you can do to help them develop healthier habits. It also has advice about handling things that go wrong, the law about alcohol and rangatahi, and more.
- Alcohol and Drug Helpline – Concerned others
Advice and support for those worried about a whānau (family) member's drinking.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed February 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIAIY-53627
