The findings of a survey on alcohol consumption by the student population are worrying, conducted by the Cyprus Addiction Treatment Authority.
On the occasion of incidents that have come to light in recent days with students using drugs or alcoholic beverages and ending up in hospital, the Cyprus Times contacted the President of the Cyprus Anti-Dependency Authority, Dr. Christos Minas, who presented the findings of the survey, as well as the actions being taken to address the phenomenon.
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According to the findings of the latest 2019 survey, Cypriot students appear to consume alcohol more frequently than students in Europe, but in smaller quantities.
-About 1 in 10 students (11%) reported binge drinking in the last month, and of those who used alcohol in the last month, about 4 in 10 reported excessive alcohol consumption
.
-When it comes to excessive drinking by 16-year-old students, there is a worrying increase in this behaviour, especially among girls. Also, compared to the survey average, the percentage of students reporting this behaviour is well above the European average.
-In general, there is a significant decrease in the percentage of students reporting alcohol consumption during the 30 days, but also in excessive drinking in the last month (5+ drinks on one occasion) - 37%, compared to 50% in the year 2015.
-Cypriot students consider that they can find alcohol much more easily, compared to the rest of their European peers. Adolescents' access to alcohol in Cyprus exceeds the average of other European countries. 8 out of 10 students report that it is easy/very easy to get alcohol
As Dr. Minas stresses, prevention in the field of addictions is not substance-centred and therefore prevention programmes provide support and alternative activities to children who are considered vulnerable to substance use.
"One of the most powerful measures to achieve the prevention of alcohol use among children is the implementation of legislation on the sale of alcoholic beverages aimed at reducing accessibility among minors under the age of 18," he notes.
The legislation on the sale of alcohol was amended in the summer of 2020.
- Change the age limit for access to and consumption of alcohol from 17 to 18 years.
- Develop a valid and clear control system (by means of identification)
- Impose more dissuasive penalties in case of sale to persons below the legal age limit
- Interpretation of intoxication and incorporating it into responsible selling education
At the same time, he noted that the role of the state and parents in reducing alcohol accessibility among children is equally important.
"The relevant state agencies must ensure that the law is enforced. Alcohol consumption is part of the culture in Cyprus and undoubtedly across the Mediterranean, as are discussions between parents and children about the dangers of alcohol consumption. Alcohol affects individuals differently at different stages of life."
So what can parents do according to Dr. Minas:
It is important to talk to children from an early age.
Parents need to set limits early on with their children.
A parent's active involvement in their child's life is needed to ensure their child is protected.
communication with other parents and other organized groups to find ways to address underage drinking in the community.
All parents should be aware of the legislation that prohibits the sale and supply of alcohol to children under 18 and NEVER provide alcohol to their children or the children of others.
He concluded by stressing that the main message promoted by the Cyprus Addiction Treatment Authority is that the safest option for children is zero consumption of alcoholic beverages while reducing accessibility and availability.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
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