Winchester Ridge Primary learners say no to underage drinking

Grade Seven learners at Winchester Ridge Primary School took a stand against underage drinking during a recent awareness session.

AWARE.org hosted the session in partnership with SANCA Central Rand Rosettenville as part of its #NOtoU18 programme.

Through drama, interactive activities and open discussions, learners explored the dangers associated with consuming alcohol at a young age. The programme highlighted the effects of alcohol on the developing brain and body, as well as the risk that early experimentation can develop into harmful drinking and addiction.

Promoting substance-free lifestyles

The initiative also supports the Department of Social Development’s Ke-Moja programme, which promotes a substance-free lifestyle among young people.

Beyond the dangers of alcohol, the session focused on the importance of positive peer relationships. Learners participated in activities designed to promote kindness, care and mutual support, reinforcing their role in helping peers make healthier choices.

“Preventing underage drinking is about more than simply telling young people what not to do,” said AWARE.org CEO Mokebe Thulo. “It is about creating spaces where they can engage, ask questions and understand how their choices affect their health, well-being and future.”

Early interventions yield results

Learners were also allowed to discuss the realities they may encounter in their communities and ask questions about underage drinking.

The discussions emphasised that alcohol use during adolescence can have serious consequences while young people are still developing physically, emotionally and socially.

With underage drinking continuing to affect young people and families in communities, organisers said prevention and education are important tools in helping children understand the consequences of risky behaviour before harmful habits become established.

AWARE.org’s research, Understanding Youth and Alcohol: The Voices of Tomorrow, highlights the importance of starting prevention efforts early and tailoring interventions to young people’s age and circumstances.

The study found that younger adolescents tend to be more receptive to information and learning, while older teenagers respond better to practical and future-focused messages.

The Winchester Ridge Primary School session therefore allowed learners to learn, engage, and reflect on the choices they make, while encouraging them to support one another in saying no to underage drinking.