HealthInfo Canterbury
Helping your teen develop safe drinking habits
Parents and caregivers can have a positive influence on teenagers' relationship with alcohol. You can help them to develop healthy habits around alcohol in a number of 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 teens. How parents and caregivers behave and their own drinking habits are critical.
Concerns about drinking
If you are worried that a young person may be drinking too much, you could try to talk to them about your concerns. You could also encourage them to talk to their usual doctor. It might be reassuring for them to know that a doctor has to keep all information about their medical care private. If they'd prefer to see another doctor and are in Christchurch, they can see one for free at Te Tahi Youth (phone (03) 943‑9298).
Manu Ka Rere (formerly CYMHS) 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 general practice team, counsellor, teacher or parent can also refer them.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Alcohol.org.nz – Information for parents and caregivers
The Health Promotion Agency's alcohol website includes information about what influences young people's drinking habits, what you can do to help them develop healthy habits, handling things that go wrong, the law about alcohol and young people, and more.
- Alcohol and Drug Helpline – Concerned others
Advice and support for those worried about a family or whānau member's drinking.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2021.
SourcesReview key: HIAIY-53627
