Cree welcomes summer holidays but warns of dangers of alcohol

Ulster Unionist MLA for North Down and Policing Board member Leslie Cree has welcomed the start of the summer holidays for children and young people but has warned of the dangers associated with underage drinking. The PSNI continues to educate parents of the risks associated with their children through the campaign, ‘You, Your Child and Alcohol’.

Mr. Cree said, "This time of year marks the start of the summer holidays - an important time of year for our children and young people who have more free time to share with friends and family and to participate in sporting and leisure activities. It is a fantastic time of year, especially with the weather we have enjoyed in the last few weeks.

"However, I do want to urge caution and highlight the fact that over half of our young people who are aged between 11 and 16 say they have had an alcoholic drink at some point. Furthermore, it is also worrying to know that 1 in 10 of young people in Northern Ireland who have drunk alcohol has ended up in trouble with the police.

"I would urge parents to discuss the issue of alcohol with their children and to highlight to them the dangers associated with underage drinking. Such repercussions include hindering the development of their brains as well as the link between alcohol and poor mental health, especially when alcohol is used as a coping mechanism or to reduce stress.

"I recognize the fact that our young people are too often subject to much unfortunate and misleading press. I certainly do not want to do this but I do wish to highlight that alcohol does reduce inhibitions which can lead children to engaging in anti-social behaviour or criminal activities which can then lead to involvement with the police. The police also seek to highlight that younger people are more likely to take part in or be a victim of violence when they drink alcohol. It is in the best interest of our children’s welfare and harmony in community life that I would urge parents to take the issue of underage drinking seriously."

Ends

Notes to Editor
The police will continue to target underage drinking following the successes emanating from Operation Snapper which has seen the seizure of 25,000 alcoholic products and the involvement of over 1,000 individuals."