'Stay Safe, Stay Sober' is the message to Junior Cert celebrants
STAY safe, stay sober is the message that is being given out to all students receiving their Junior Cert results due out next Wednesday next, September 13.
The Mayo Junior Certificate Results Night Initiative was set up in 2012 to reduce the overall harm caused by alcohol during junior cert celebrations.
Staff members from the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force, South West Mayo Development Company, MindSpace Mayo, the ISPCC and An Garda Siochana have been busy visiting the 29 post primary schools across the county and delivering workshops on how best teenagers can protect themselves on nights out.
Over 1,800 students will receive their results in Co. Mayo this year and each student will also receive a Mayo-colored green and red wristband with the message to stay safe stay sober and parent’s information packs to bring home to their parents.
Pat Conway, Mayo Community Liaison Worker with the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force, said that the Junior Certificate was a big milestone for Irish students but alcohol should play no part in the celebrations.
“We really want students to enjoy themselves on their big night out, they deserve it. They studied hard and now they are getting the results for that hard work. We want them to know that they don’t have to have a drink to have a good time.
“We understand that some teenagers may feel that they have to drink to celebrate and others may come under pressure to do so but, in fact, they are more likely to have a better time without touching alcohol. Being alcohol free is the healthiest option.”
However, parents have the greatest influence on their children’s attitudes to alcohol and are the real key to ensuring that Junior Certificate celebrations are not marred by misuse of alcohol, according to Pat.
“We are asking all parents to work with us on ensuring that teenagers develop a healthy attitude towards alcohol in particular,” he said.
“Parents should have an honest and open chat with their children about the decision to drink alcohol and how they intend to celebrate results night but also other nights out in the future. Parents are the most important influence on their children’s attitude to alcohol.”
Research shows consistently that young people who start drinking before the age of 15 are at highest risk of alcohol’s most dangerous effects as their bodies and brains are still developing.
“Delaying the age of starting to drink is so important for a child’s health in both the short and long-term” added Pat.
* Pictured at the launch of the Stay Safe, Stay Sober campaing at Rice College, Westport, are Pat Conway (WRDATF & SWMDC), Tim Campion (TY Student), Martin Gill (TY Co-Ordinator), Conor Calvey (TY Student), Michael Rabbette (orincipal, Rice College), Joey Corcoran (TY Student) and Garda Darren Conlon. Photo: Michael McLaughlin