This is how early you should talk to your child about alcohol

It is the middle of the summer holidays for Sweden’s children and young people, and also peak season for young people to drink alcohol – often without their parents’ knowledge.
In Nyhetsmorgon, pediatrician Jonas Ludvigsson urges parents to talk to their teenagers about the risks of alcohol much earlier than many might think.
– I think many people underestimate how young people drink alcohol.

Summer is high season for young people’s alcohol consumption.

– You are outdoors more and do not have the same supervision of your parents. In addition, many parents are away in the summer and the risk increases that there will be a party.

The biggest risk with drunkenness is putting yourself in situations you shouldn’t be in and doing things you normally would, which Jonas Ludvigsson gets to see the result of in the emergency room. Drowning accidents, drunk driving and fights, among other things.

– I think of a young guy I met once who got into an unnecessary fight and got smashed in the face. It wouldn’t have happened if he had been sober.

He has as a principle to always make a social service report when he brings a child who is drunk to the emergency room, in addition to calling the parents.

The call to parents

He urges parents to talk to their teenagers about alcohol much earlier than you might think. It may be worth thinking about already when they are 13 years old.

– We get young people who are 14 and 15 years old from time to time, it is not unusual. If you ask questions to young people, some have already started drinking at the age of 14. Even if you have a well-behaved child: The question must be on the table!

Is it more dangerous for children and young people to drink?

– It is more dangerous medically. Young people are often thinner and more difficult to take care of the alcohol and have a higher blood alcohol level. You are not as used to handling alcohol as adults, and this has worse consequences.

Young people under 18 are not allowed to drink alcohol, but if they do, pediatrician Jonas Ludvigsson has a “controversial” tip:

– Drink beer, not liquor!