CHRISTMAS SHOULD be one of the happiest and most enjoyable times of the year. And it fulfils that promise for many children. For others, it can become a nightmare, punctuated by bouts of physical abuse and violence, as a result of excessive drinking by their parents.
A survey of almost 1,000 young people, between the ages of 12 and 18, has charted the emotional distress, neglect and violence that children experience as a result of alcohol abuse.
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is just the latest organisation to ring alarm bells for the Government and for society as a whole because of the damage being done to young people by alcohol abuse and excessive parental drinking. Almost one in 10 of those surveyed reported they had been hugely affected in a negative way by the drunken behaviour of their parents. It gets worse. One in four of those questioned had themselves taken more than five drinks, or engaged in “binge drinking” in the two weeks prior to the survey. The history of alcohol abuse in this country is becoming a self-perpetuating horror story.
The ambivalence of adults towards alcohol, in terms of acceptable behaviour, is also reflected in the attitudes of children. Four out of five young people believe it is not right for parents to get drunk in front of their children. But, at the same time, one in three thinks it is all right for teenagers themselves to get drunk. Twice as many children believe it is acceptable for teenagers, rather than adults, to binge drink. In other words, adults are expected to show leadership and to display responsible behaviour. Until they do, nothing will change.
As a society, we are drowning in drink. Late at night, our streets host after-hours brawls. More than one-third of those seeking treatment in emergency clinics are intoxicated. Concerned organisations have asked that a minimum price be fixed for alcohol. In particular, they suggested that special promotions and below-cost selling in supermarkets, mixed retail stores and off-licences should be banned. They have been ignored.
Alcohol is a social lubricant and, used in moderation, it can be beneficial. However, its addictive and destructive side is reflected in young people’s view that because we are Irish, drink is part of our culture. This conflation of national identity and alcohol consumption is highly dangerous. The Government has important responsibilities in terms of health policy, excise charges, licensing and the law. But it buckled under pressure in the recent Budget. A national alcohol policy is required.