AS MORE than 57,000 Junior Certificate students prepare to celebrate their exam results tomorrow, parents are being urged to be realistic regarding the under-age consumption of alcohol.
Michael McLoughlin, spokesman for Youth Work Ireland, said: "In an ideal world, alcohol shouldn't be a part of Junior Certificate celebrations, but inevitably it often is."
While there were many alcohol-free alternatives, students were very resourceful and would get alcohol if they wanted it, he added.
"Realistically, alcohol will be involved in celebrations, so we'd advise parents to encourage its consumption in moderation".
Fionnuala Sheehan of drinkaware.ie echoed Mr McLoughlin's views, saying it would be naive to assume that no Junior Cert student will drink on results night.
"We know from general research that 15- and 16-years-olds do drink alcohol, so we would appeal to those licensed to sell and serve alcohol to be extra-vigilant on results day."
Ms Sheehan encouraged parents to take a close interest in their children's celebration plans, in particular the availability of alcohol.
"Parents have a critical role to play in discussing the use and misuse of alcohol with their teenage children."
Seán Campbell, CEO of national youth development organisation Foróige, said parents should speak to their children about safe socialising and listen to what they wanted. "It is my experience that when good quality alternatives are available, young people are, for the most part, happy to socialise in these environments," he added.
A number of alcohol-free events will be taking place around the country tomorrow night for students to celebrate their results.
In Galway, a "mega-party" will run from 8.30pm to midnight in Leisureland organised jointly by the Health Service Executive, Foróige, Galway City Partnership, Galway City VEC, the Garda, Galway City Council, Youth Work Ireland and the Galway City Post Primary Schools.
John Fitzmaurice of HSE West said: "It is only right and appropriate that these students get some recognition for sitting their first State examinations, our goal is to make it a memorable and safe night for everybody involved."
In Cork, results night discos are taking place in the City Hall and the Savoy, while in Limerick, the "ultimate junior cert party" is on in the Southcourt hotel.