LAKE Illawarra Police have welcomed the return of the “Think B4U Drink” program, which provides an alternative to legal proceedings for minors who get caught in possession, or consuming alcohol in a public place.
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Rather than be fined by police under the Summary Offences Act, the program offers education.
During the past two years, many young people have benefited from the program from the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command.
“Think B4U Drink” seeks to inform young people about the health, legal and social consequences of drinking.
It also aims to enhance the capacity of parents/guardians to influence their child’s behaviour and attitudes towards drinking.
The program operates as a two-hour face-to-face education seminar, which the young person attends with their parent or guardian.
Sessions are run by expert drug and alcohol workers and police.
Senior Constable Scott Burgess, youth liaison officer at the LILAC said youth and parents attending the program have informed us that the program is very informative.
He said parents often walked away with some new knowledge about standard drink sizes and the effects of alcohol on the human body.
“The kids, they’re usually a bit reluctant to come along, and the parents can be a bit, ‘why am I here?’
“Then you start going through the program… You see that the message is getting across to parents and kids.
“Some of the footage can be confronting.
“I think it’s a great program; it should not just be shown to kids who get caught.
“It could be run out through schools as a vocational program in year 10, so they’re aware of what can happen if they go down that road.”
Kelly Andrews, project manager of the Kiama Underage Drinking Project said it was a great example of the commitment from NSW Police to the problem of underage drinking and genuine concern for the wellbeing of our young people.
“They are offering young people a second chance because while the young people often can’t process the possible consequences, police know all too well the harms caused by alcohol in our communities,” she said. “From what we have experience in our local campaign for example, I think Kiama families are really supportive of these sorts of initiatives.
“Sure, it might be easier for police to issue a fine and the parents to pay it – but it is so much better in the long run for all parties to take responsibility and work together to influence the pressures young people feel to drink in the first place.”
For more information visit the www.yourchoiceonline.com.au and www.stopunderagedrinking.com.au websites.
