Fighting underage drinking

Desmond Boshego

LIMPOPO – ALCOHOL use remains extremely widespread among today’s teenagers in South Africa.

Many young people experience the consequences of drinking at an early age, and as a result, underage drinking is a leading public health problem in the country.

Express asked residents what they thought should be done to combat underage drinking.

Rowen Sepadi said awareness groups should be formed to educate young people on the effects of alcohol.

“Awareness groups can be the only way to stop alcohol abuse as this will engage young people and teach them on the effects of alcohol. Underage drinking is indeed a serious problem in our communities.”

Thani Mokoena agreed with Sepadi that awareness groups could play a very crucial role in educating young people on alcohol abuse.

“This is a thorn in South Africa’s backside. Working together as a community to fight underage drinking will save young people. Families should teach their children about the dangerous effects of alcohol, so they know what they are doing is wrong and dangerous to their health.”

Caroline Sebelebele said for one to buy alcohol at a shebeen, they should supply their identity document to the cashiers to verify their age.

“Shebeen owners should not allow young people to enter their shebeens. They should be more strict when it comes to the customer’s age. The owners should also be warned that if someone underage is found at the shebeen, then the shebeen will be closed,” said Sebelebele.

“I think if police officers give shebeen owners a hard time on underage customers, this might lower the problem of underage drinking. Young people should also receive harsh punishment if they are found drinking,” said Nare Manyelo.

Lischen Mashitisho said the issue of underage drinking would not be resolved unless government banned alcohol advertisements in the media.

“The way alcohol is advertised on television, radio and in newspapers is too attractive. This should be banned as they encourage and attract young people to drink alcohol. Young people cannot be blamed because the adverts are the cause of everything.”

Tsholofelo Montshioa also complained about the advertisements and government.

“The problem of underage drinking cannot be overcome easily. Nothing can be done if government doesn’t shutdown the breweries.”