Young people tell council how drink affects them

Pupils at Chepstow Comprehensive have been helping councillors tackle alcohol abuse in the county by sharing how excessive drinking affects their lives.

Councillors from Monmouthshire County Council's Strong Communities Select Committee asked a working group to investigate the problem associated with alcoholic consumption to inform the committee about what they can do to improve the lives on Monmouthshire residents.

A report is being considered showing the main concerns of the Chepstow pupils.

The report shows the findings of Councillor Jacqui Sullivan and Councillor Ann Webb, who visited pupils in December.

Some of the issues pupils felt were important were:

• People are drinking at a younger age

• Young people are drinking more because it is cheaper entertainment than finding transport out of town and watching a film

• Chepstow is boring, people moan if you hang around with your friends on street corners even if you are doing nothing wrong.

• Drinking at home with your parents reduces the mystery of drinking

• Pupils would like older students to give advice to younger students and talk about their experiences

• Councillors could help by providing more places to go and allowing cafes to open later and working with the police to make young people feel they are not treated as if they're trouble makers

Councillor Jacqui Sullivan said: 

"The pupils gave us a clear message that they do not feel that enough emphasis is put onto teaching students about alcohol abuse in school - though they are taught about drugs awareness all through the school.

"One positive point made by pupils was that it is hard to purchase alcohol in Chepstow shops if you are underage.  In Tesco's even if you are 18 years old they usually ask you for ID and they did not feel that it was easy to purchase at any other shops, though some admitted that it was easier for taller/older looking pupils.

Councillor Ann Webb said:

"This research helps our group to make recommendations to cabinet about what policies will make communities stronger and safer.

"We hope that pupils feel proud that they are helping us to make significant decisions that will improve the lives of everyone in Monmouthshire."

Head Teacher at the school, John Barnbrook, said:

"We cover alcohol in year 8, then risks around drugs and alcohol in year 9 and binge drinking in year 11- so quite a lot.  Much of our PSHE programme is aimed at helping students to make informed choices about a variety of socially important issues."