Juvenile alcoholism and parental responsibilities

On being asked whether I would like to join in the formation of a Parents' Group (Ghaqda Genituri) to create greater awareness of the social malaise of juvenile alcoholism, I could not refuse the opportunity of giving my support as a father and grandfather.

Up to now, my exposure to juvenile alcoholism has been what I unfortunately see with my own eyes when driving through the Paceville area on a Saturday evening.

My resolve to do something became even stronger on researching local statistics on juvenile bingeing and drinking and noting that Malta stands high on the list of this social malaise.

On enquiring about the legal drinking age in Malta, I was shocked when informed that this is pegged at 16 (considering that the minimum age in most laws is 18) and shocked even further when told that the current laws and regulations do not prohibit the sale of alcohol or alcoholic drinks in sealed bottles or containers to anyone, not even to a toddler.

The culture of juvenile drinking, binge drinking and uncontrolled drinking seems to have reached such alarming proportions in our islands that it has to be viewed by all of us, irrespective of our status or background, as another national issue requiring urgent and collective attention.

I believe we parents have to first look inwards and responsibly ask ourselves whether we are truly aware of the problem and whether we are conveying the right message to our children in our drinking habits and our living habitat.

How many times have you heard adults confessing that they drink alcohol before facing an important meeting or a difficult discussion to feel confident and at ease; breadwinners who confess that a way of de-stressing themselves after a day's work is that of sitting relaxed in an armchair when they get home and washing down the day's problems with a few tots of alcohol; adults who vent their emotions, in sad moments as well as joyful ones, by drinking alcohol uncontrollably?

Another observation which I believe is relevant is the "in-thing" for adults to plan a bar area as part of the house layout - an unfortunate message to the younger generation that the bar set-up is an essential part of the household furniture and that its contents form part of our daily subsistence.

We are living in a world where the "common good" is rightfully drummed in our ears daily to ensure the upholding of the dignity of the human person. However, we all seem to be egoistically unaware that we all have our duties and responsibilities in achieving and upholding this natural principle for our own personal human dignity and for the society of which we form an integral part. I therefore strongly believe that we need to shout out loudly and clearly to parents that our complacency and parental model will probably generate a society which will not know how to differentiate between the "moderate and responsible lifestyle" and the "let go lifestyle".

Furthermore, I strongly believe that the civil authorities have to look at their parental image in the mirror of life to join us in our cry of deep concern and to appreciate the immediate need for steps to be taken to legislate for the common good of our society and for a clean bill of health for our island.

Our postal address is: Ghaqda Genituri, PO Box 74, Valletta.