A DIFFERENT WAY TO TACKLE UNDERAGE DRINKING
- O&A Team
- July 25, 2024
- Life & Style
- AWARE.org, Education against alcohol, Enyobeni tavern, NOtoUnder18
- 0 Comments
Drinking is cool, right? Well, no – and the fight to stop South Africa’s teens sinking into a pit of parties, violence and alcoholism seems to be a never-ending battle with little chance of a victory.
If anything showcased the tragic outcome of underage drinking it was the death of 21 young people at the Enyobeni tavern in East London in June 2022. Two years later, there is no clear idea of exactly what happened on that fateful night.
Sadly, it wasn’t the first incidence of under-18’s dying due to alcohol abuse and it won’t be the last. In 2015, eight young women died at Osi’s tavern in Khayelitsha. In 2000, 13 children died and 100 were injured at Durban’s Throb nightclub. Many teenage deaths which can be directly related to underage drinking go both unreported and unnoticed.
FEEDING THE PROBLEM
Globally, alcohol is a leading cause of death and disability among adolescents aged between 15 and 19. South Africa, with its large young population and high youth unemployment rate, is particularly vulnerable.
For starters, alcohol is accessible and affordable. Bottle store owners turn a blind eye to selling alcohol to underage consumers and parents, too, either give their children alcohol or ignore the fact that they are imbibing at parties. That’s just part of growing up.
However, according to Aware.org, an alcohol industry initiative aimed at promoting responsible drinking and preventing alcohol-related harm in South Africa, 50% of our teenagers drink alcohol. One of the organisation’s studies also showed that someone who starts drinking under the age of 18 – which is incidentally illegal – is four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than someone who starts consuming alcohol after the age of 20.
Adolescent drinking has many obvious side effects. Apart from accidents, it can result in rape, violence and fighting, absenteeism and failure at school, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and more.
A 50 year-old who recently passed away had been trapped in a paralysed body since the age of 20. He was injured when his motorbike hit a tree on his way back from a birthday party. A father in suburban Durban lives in fear of his angry and destructive 20-year-old son and locks away his valuables to prevent him from pawning them to feed his ever-growing need for alcohol.
Calls for better policing of existing laws and improvements to seemingly ineffectual regulations continue. Many parents continue to be poor role models for their children whilst greedy advertisers punt the idea that drinking is glamourous and fun.
TAKING A DIFFERENT PATH
Meanwhile, AWARE.org is taking a slightly different approach through recreational youth programmes that offer positive role models, beneficial life skills, and keep youths stimulated to prevent them turning to the bottle.
Its mission is to co-create a society where individuals make informed decisions about alcohol consumption through education, advocacy, and community partnerships.
AWARE.org’s flagship pillar, #NOtoUnder18, targets the prevention of underage drinking through comprehensive strategies that involve education, community engagement, and policy advocacy. This core pillar aims to protect young people by creating alcohol-free environments and empowering them with the knowledge to make healthier choices.
Key findings and progress reports from the interventions conducted in the first half of 2024 show that participants in AWARE.org-funded programmes have shown a remarkable 59% increase in knowledge and awareness about the dangers of underage drinking. A significant 71% of programme participants committed to reduce or abstain from alcohol consumption, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted intervention strategies.
This reduction is a clear indicator that its programmes are making a tangible impact on the lives of young people. While there is still more work ahead, this progress is both positive and encouraging.
The bespoke ICAN Programme, implemented by SANCA National, reached over 300 participants, exceeding targets and demonstrating strong community engagement and effectiveness in reaching young individuals at risk. This programme has been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of the consequences of underage drinking and encouraging healthier life choices amongst youth.
The aftercare ICAN programme has successfully graduated 30 adolescents, providing continued support and reducing the likelihood of reversion. This aftercare is crucial for maintaining the positive outcomes achieved during initial interventions.
The Golden Harvest Underage Drinking Rehabilitation Programme reported the enrolment of 80 adolescents, with 49 successfully completing the programme so far. This programme has been particularly effective in addressing the complex needs of adolescents struggling with alcohol dependence and providing them with the tools and support necessary for recovery and reintegration.
The rehabilitation aftercare programme has successfully graduated 30 adolescents, providing continued support and reducing the likelihood of reversion. This aftercare is crucial for maintaining the positive outcomes achieved during initial interventions.
While the programmes have achieved significant success, there remain ongoing challenges that need attention. Participants come from varied educational backgrounds, which can hinder group work and programme delivery.
Mokebe Thulo, head of brand at AWARE.org, states: “These results are a testament to our collective efforts in creating a safer environment for our youth. We are committed to continuing our work with communities to provide the necessary support and education to prevent underage drinking. By addressing the challenges and building on our successes, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people across South Africa.”
As part of its ongoing efforts to combat underage drinking, AWARE.org is hosting a series of roundtable discussions. These events are critical platforms for engaging key stakeholders, including government representatives, educators, community leaders, and healthcare professionals, to develop and share best practices and innovative solutions.
