Dangers of underage drinking

Youth Month finished on a tragic note after 22 young people were found dead in a tavern in Enyobeni in East London in the early hours of Sunday morning.

While details on this incident are sketchy at this stage, it was initially reported that police opened tear gas on the partygoers who, in an attempt to exit the building, caused a stampede in which the victims were fatally injured.

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Police are investigating, and Minister of Police Bheki Cele was scheduled to visit the scene.

According to statistics, about 50% of South Africa’s teenagers consume alcohol, starting as young as 13 years of age.

The dangers of alcohol abuse are well documented, causing physical, emotional and cognitive development challenges in teens.

Side-effects of alcohol consumption in teens

1. Cognitive impairment
Alcohol consumption slows down the function of the brain, with prolonged consumption impacting brain development. In teens, this can affect their grades and cause memory loss.

2. Physical development
Underage drinking disrupts normal growth or sexual development. In some cases, it contributes to rape, violence and drunk driving.

3. Emotional development
Thought processing and co-dependency on alcohol can occur, inhibiting emotional development that allows them to deal with challenges.

4. Social problems
Peer pressure, a lack of participation in youth activities, lack of accountability, and poor social skills within family settings and school can all be linked to underage drinking.

Family members are encouraged to prevent underage drinking and play their part by not influencing underage drinking.
To report cases of underage drinking or substance abuse, call the toll-free SANCA substance abuse hotline on 0800 121314, or SMS 32312.

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