Welcome to Parenting 101

This page is supported by the Wanaka Alcohol Group (WAG) and initiatives from it’s AlcoholWise Wanaka (AWW) Campaign.

By supporting youth, parents and the community, the aim is to create parenting on the same wavelength and ultimately empowering our community to make positive choices for healthy living.

Please explore, enjoy and share the following information.

Dr. Damian Scarf – ‘Teens, Alcohol  and Devices’ Presentation Notes

Peer pressure – we all experience peer pressure but are we equipped to handle it ourselves and importantly, with respect to teens, alcohol, devices and other drugs that will come their way?

What is our answer to this pressure? What can parents and caregivers do to support teens as they grow up? How can the community support families navigate these important teenage years?

Building on previous sessions, the Wanaka Alcohol Group hosted an evening with Dr. Damian Scarf, senior lecturer from the Department of Psychology at the University of Otago and a selection of local social support groups. Topics explored were:

• The challenges of peer pressure, self-esteem, social media, and alcohol/other drugs.
• Health Risks and Social Implications including youth brain development.
• Practical parenting tips and the importance of communication.
• The latest research and how it relates to our local scene.

Click here for the PowerPoint of the evening

Click here to see the Parents Notes for  the evening

Video of the Mini Lectures

Video of Full Presentation

The Plan: Delay Teen Drinking

Fantastic resources and information to be found on this website https://www.nmdhb.govt.nz/campaigns/the-plan-delay-teen-drinking - check the links below for the top topics of conversation.

Survey: ‘A parent’s Perspective on youth and alcohol’

This survey explored one quarter of the Mount Aspiring College parent population’s perspectives on alcohol consumption by under 18s.

It was found that the majority of respondents were comfortable with their young person consuming alcohol from 16 years of age, and over half of respondents supplied their young person with alcohol. However, there was a notion that parents felt pressured to supply the alcohol. 

It was made apparent that alcohol harm reduction interventions need to be tied into a whole community objective of decoupling alcohol with normalisation. This can be achieved at three levels: increase personal ability to resist pressure; reduce social supply pressure; and change local social norms surrounding alcohol consumption.

Click here for the full report

Brainwave Trust Videos

No Safe Limits Website

BU Dance Performance

Click here to view our MAC students promote Youth Messages at the Festival of Sport and Recreation.

We recommend conversations in your home

Be informed... Read the ‘whanau pack’... and click on the helpful links below

Factors that influence teenager’s drinking.

www.alcohol.org.nz/help-advice/advice-on-alcohol/for-parents/factors-that-influence-young-peoples-drinking