September 14, 2015
Tara and Sandy belong to the same group at a famous junior college in Mumbai. Though a part of the same college group, their lifestyles are very different. Tara is a simple, timid girl whereas Sandy is a bold boy who consumes tobacco and alcohol regularly. At a college event, Sandy influences Tara to drink Vodka. On denial, Tara is ridiculed by others for being ‘uncool’ for the party and the group.
Like Tara, there are many teenagers who do not smoke or consume alcohol and are mocked by others. In today’s generation smoking and drinking is considered as ‘cool’ and ‘trendy’. It is at this age when teenagers come across new changes and experiment with alcohol, cigarettes and drugs.
Ill-effects of drinking and smoking are not alien to any of us. As we all are aware, frequent drinking can also cause weight gain, which may put you at risk for developing high blood pressure, liver damage and type 2 diabetes among other illnesses. While regular smoking leads to addiction and premature loss of life due to smoking-related diseases.
Adolescence is an age where we get easily influenced. According to experts, there is a rapid change in the patterns of alcohol and cigarette consumption in India. Reports suggest that teens that start drinking before age 15 years are 5 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after the legal age of 21. It is imperative that parents take extra care of their children and their lifestyle during this age.
In general, teens are more comfortable to open up to their friends than parents. It is important for every parent to ensure that their children find them approachable and non-judgmental, so that their children share their insecurities and peer pressure felt during this age. Communication between parents and teens is a must to help your child to learn to say ‘NO’ and feel confident and proud of themselves when they chose to be different from the crowd and not give into wrong habits.
Also, as a parent it is integral for one to ensure that they refrain from smoking and excessive drinking in front of their children and set an example for them. Let them know that smoking or drinking isn’t cool.
Bridge the gaps and let them know that you are there for them and make them cool by learning to say ‘NO’.
For any further guidance, you can call on 1800-266-0515.
