A survey conducted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition shows that 49% learners said they had consumed alcohol at some stage during their schooling career.
The issue of learners or underage children drinking alcohol recently became a burning topic once again when a video of a learner consuming what looks like an alcoholic beverage during class, went viral on the internet.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Liquor Board and other stakeholders have been hard at work, addressing and condemning events that lead to underage alcohol consumption like the so-called ‘pens down’ parties, which are believed to be where learners celebrate by consuming alcohol. The 2022 Enyobeni tragedy in the Eastern Cape was one confirmation of the dangers of hosting or attending ‘pens down’ celebrations that are harmful and deadly to learners. About 21 learners died on the 26th of June 2022 at the liquor establishment.
Who is to be blamed for underage alcohol consumption?
Partnership to End Addiction, an advocacy group dedicated to addiction prevention, treatment and recovery, says parents have a way of influencing their children to drink alcohol, whether directly or indirectly.
“Indirectly, parents can influence their teens’ behavior by failing to monitor their activities while their child still lives at home, having permissive attitudes toward underage drinking, expressing direct approval of underage drinking, or simply by providing unguarded access to alcohol at home,”- Partnership to End Addiction mentions on their website.
The DBE has consistently urged parents to always ensure that their children are safe during holiday seasons and encourage their children to stay away from alcohol and illegal substances. On its website, the department shares safety tips for learners and parents during the school holidays, where they have stated that alcohol poisoning is also a common risk for learners during the holiday season.
National Liquor Traders Convenor, Lucky Ntimane, has advised learners / children to occupy themselves without having to participate in things they are not yet legally allowed to do. He says that learners should focus on their studies in order to create a better future for themselves.
“Learners planning to consume alcohol should desist from doing so until they are of the right drinking age. There is no future to be had in alcohol,” said Ntimane.