Pupils dispel booze myths

Oct 16 2009 by Yonnie McInnes

AUCHINLECK Academy pupils and staff have helped to shape a new programme designed to help dispel some of the myths surrounding youngsters drinking habits.

Called seventy7.org, it looks at the drinking habits of 12 to 14-year-olds in East Ayrshire and is the first of its kind to be launched in Scotland.

Dr Maggie Watts, consultant in public health medicine and chair of the new programme board, said: “This work is showing that while teenagers might think their classmates are drinking alcohol, the majority would prefer a soft drink when they are out.”

It showed that more than three quarters said that they DIDN’T need alcohol to have a good time, but almost three out of five (58 per cent) thought that the typical attitude of an S2 pupil was that they DID need alcohol to have a good time.

A follow-up survey will be carried out in June 2010 to show how the programme has affected the teenagers’ choices and thoughts.

It’s a joint venture with the Alcohol and Drug Partnerships Support Team; NHS Ayrshire and Arran; East Ayrshire Council; Strathclyde Police; and pupils and staff of Auchinleck Academy.

It also reinforces the positive behaviour of the majority of young teenagers who don’t drink alcohol.

Studies have shown that if we think that everyone else is drinking or smoking more than we do ourselves that we may then increase our own consumption.

The programme will be delivered in both the school and the wider community in East Ayrshire, including Mauchline, Muirkirk, Catrine, Drongan, Ochiltree, Sorn, and Auchinleck itself, until May 2010.

It has been developed using the findings of a survey carried out with S2 pupils from Auchinleck Academy in October 2008.

Colin McLean, head teacher of Auchinleck Academy, said: “ Many parents will be reassured by the findings, notably that the great majority of young people have little interest in alcohol as a way of promoting enjoyment in life.”