Alcohol abuse a potent threat to youth development in SA
Teenage binge drinking in South Africa has been identified as a potent threat to youth development in the country. According to Aware.org, the association for alcohol responsibility and education, the effect of alcohol abuse continues to rise in the country.
“In South Africa, about 12% of all deaths are due to ‘non-natural causes’ – that is, accidents and violence. Heavy and binge drinking further runs the risk of damaging the brains of young people, which may show shrinkage in some areas and impaired communication within the brain,” said Carmen Mohapi, chief executive officer (CEO) of the organisation.
She said the 2018 report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) paints a worrying picture about the teenage binge drinking culture in the country.
“The teenage binge drinking figure has risen to 44% in the 15 to 19-year-old age group. While the research is dated, it suggests that about one in three South Africans aged between 14 and 17 years consumes alcohol.“The issue is not whether it is morally right or wrong for adolescents and teenagers to drink. The fact is that it is damaging to their bodies and endangers lives,” said Mohapi.
In the effort to address the scourge of alcohol abuse among teenagers, Mohapi said the organisation has embarked on a national behavioural change programme.
“Interventions include working directly with school learners through a combination of in-school and after-school recreational programmes. We need informative and enabling programmes that raise awareness and education about the risks of underage drinking – targeting not only the those under 18 years but influential role models such as teachers, peers, parents, and communities.
“We need a much stronger enforcement of zero tolerance on the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 years, and an investment in quality, fun, recreational youth programmes that offer positive role models, beneficial life skills, and keeps youths stimulated to prevent them turning to alcohol,” Mohapi concluded.
Source: news24
In other news- A man’s body was found dead on the rocks at St James Beach in Cape Town
A man’s body was found on rocks adjacent to the catwalk at St James Beach in Cape Town on Wednesday morning.The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened an inquest docket.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said: “The deceased was clothed in a black shorts and brown striped jersey and is approximately 35 years of age.” Read more
