Alcohol use is not every individual’s own business

Most people use alcohol considerately and without problems. Those who misuse alcohol are not completely to blame, however, for the problems caused by alcohol.

Even moderate use can be harmful – particularly when viewed through the eyes of a young person or child. Drinking interpreted as normal by an adult may easily induce feelings of insecurity, fear and shame in a child. This is quite simply wrong.

It’s true that the most visible harm to children arises from misuse of alcohol, but this does not free so-called normal users from responsibility. Alcohol use is not every individual’s own business, because an adult is always a role model. Adults’ response to alcohol and models for its use are transferred directly to the next generation.

The Wise parenthood programme also challenges every adult to consider the type of model they present to children and how they use alcohol in the company of children.