UK Government to crack down on underage drinking, targeting parents, but it’s not that easy

The British Government has announced plans to tackle the increasing problem of underage drinking, and is planning to prosecute parents who allow their children to drink in public.

If proposals became law, anyone under the age of 18 “regularly” found with alcohol on their possession could face getting an ASBO (Anti-Social Behaviour Order).

Parents who are unable to change their ways could either be prosecuted, or sent on parenting courses. However, the problem isn’t that simple, say a number of parents as well as opposition ministers.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said that, “parents must play their role. I want to see greater use of parenting orders and parenting contracts and anti-social behaviour orders when young people are caught persistently drinking in public. If parents and children need to meet a trained worker to get them back on the right track then so be it.”

I know that the police will already move on groups of teenagers who are, or have the potential, to cause a nuisance, particularly as a result of alcohol.

Of course parenting plays a role in a child’s upbringing, but there are so many other factors that influence someone’s attitude to and consumption of alcohol — the increasing number of “alcopops” and other “soft” alcoholic drinks, peer pressure from friends, portrayal of alcohol in the media and popular TV, and the increasingly ingrained drinking culture are key issues.

Legislation may look good on paper, and may prove to be somewhat effective, but the real issues run deep in society, and unfortunately even good parenting doesn’t always protect children.

The Government also plans to draw up guidelines for how much alcohol it is safe for children to consume under supervision of their parents at home.

(Via BBC News)

“Being Dad”: call for fathers to take part in documentary

Dads with children aged 0-3 are wanted to take part in a new documentary series.

“Being Dad” is the “dadumentary” DVD that delivers real information to Dads to demystify the whole process – and is now being filmed for Dads in Ireland, Scotland and England.

Dads can be any age, and filming takes place over the next couple of months in five locations: Central London, Bath, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin.

The documentary makers explain:

“Filming takes about two hours and you’ll join five other dads in a relaxed environment talking about everything from conception to birth and bringing the baby home. We’ll provide you with free food and plenty of beers. This is a great opportunity to be a part of the first UK and Irish film that inspires and informs future dads to be. This will make a great heirloom, will get you in your partner’s good books, as well as making sure that future dads can legitimately avoid the pregnancy manuals!”

For more details email Victoria Newlands at victoria@nobull-communications.co.uk or phone 01628 526208.

Filming dates are:

Central London: Friday, June 20 / Tuesday, July 1 @ 6.30pm
Bath: Sunday, June 22 @ 4.30pm
Manchester: Tuesday, June 24 @ 6.30pm
Edinburgh: Wednesday, June 25 @ 6.30pm
Dublin: Friday, June 27 @ 6.30pm