New Year’s Eve and the beginning of the new year can represent a sensitive period in terms of risky behavior in children and young people, especially in relation to alcohol. This was stated for TASR by Denisa Šoltésová, director and social worker of the non-profit organization Trojlístok in Prešov. According to her, for young people, the end of the year is mainly associated with holidays, disruption of the daily routine, and at the same time with increased school pressure before the half-yearly assessment.
“On the one hand, it’s relaxation, on the other hand, increased pressure from the school, and thirdly, the holidays are very often a period in the lives of families when they bring not joy and well-being, but the opposite. Tension, stress, conflicts and sometimes even violence.” So, paradoxically, the time spent together in the family may not be the time they want to spend at home. After that, the risk of young people looking for peers, parties or activities that increase the risk of using psychoactive substances increases,” said Šoltésová.
According to her, the home model also plays an important role. “If it is a family that consumes alcohol not problematically, at risk, then I can imagine that one event like New Year’s Eve may not have a major impact. The problem is more in families where drinking alcohol is normal. What we learn in the family, we perceive as normal, ordinary and adopt it as a formula that is acceptable to us,” the expert pointed out, adding that an adult who drinks for several days cannot support children or spend quality time with them.
According to the expert, when talking to children about the risks of using alcohol and other psychoactive substances, the child should have the feeling that the parent believes what he is saying. “We should definitely have a clear attitude towards the use of alcohol. It is very important that we do not speak in an intimidating, moralizing manner. One must speak openly, honestly and truthfully. Don’t embellish anything, but don’t downplay it unnecessarily either. To have such a relationship with the child that he feels confident that he can call us when he is in trouble, and that he can evaluate a situation, even a risky one, in terms of alcohol responsibly and autonomously.” explained Šoltésová.
He advises parents who suspect problematic behavior not to wait and seek professional help. “They don’t have to involve the child right away. An expert can help them set up communication, boundaries and a safe environment. In case the problem appears acutely, I clearly recommend depending on the state of health, if it’s a serious health condition, some kind of severe drunkenness, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. If it is a related problem, the use of some psychoactive substances and subsequently violent or suicidal behavior, then in addition to the rescue services, the presence of the police is also necessary,” added Šoltésová.
