As the end of the school year approaches, many teens will begin to celebrate the summer through partying, resulting in alcohol use.
Although the legal drinking age in the province of British Columbia is 19, it doesn’t stop students from participating in partying or adults from supplying liquor for their children.
Throughout the school week many students concentrate on their school work and decide the weekend is a good time to relax and let loose. Many teens say that partying is a way for them to be themselves, socialize with their peers and have a good time without having to worry about the stress of school and pressure from their parents.
After asking students why they drink, many said there is a lack of entertainment here — plus many of their friends drink as well. Drinking among teens is viewed as a fun pastime with little consequences; however, it can result in bad decisions such as driving under the influence, alcohol poisoning and sexual assault.
Activities for students in a community geared to older people may be limited due to the large amount of senior-oriented activities. Although there are youth activities and entertainment available in cities such as Nanaimo, many are not willing to make the drive every weekend.
Many suggestions have been made to defeat the growing problem of underage drinking, along with numerous attempts for teen hangouts and activities.
This also begs the question: would a larger variety of teenage-based activities really decrease underage drinking?
Many European countries have younger legal drinking ages. Although this would stop the problem of underage drinking many wonder if it would increase or decrease the amount of alcohol consumption among teens.
In Oceanside, it is common to see teens participating in weekend parties.
Although underage drinking is common in the community, it could perhaps be lowered through an increase in youth social activities and events in the Oceanside community.
Nicole Campbell and Brandon Rodway are students at Kwalikum Secondary School
