Rural parents, teenagers and alcohol: what are parents thinking?

This article explores the attitudes, beliefs, and concerns of rural parents about teenage alcohol drinking. Focus groups were conducted with 26 parents in north and north-western rural Victoria, which discussed drunkenness and drinking patterns, age of initiation into drinking in the home, where and when alcohol is consumed, and the perceived influences of parents, peers, media, culture, school, and money on teenagers' alcohol drinking. The study found that parents were more concerned about short term risks, such as accidents and assault, than with long term problems or social effects. Many of the parents reported using harm minimisation strategies, such as purchasing small amounts alcohol for their children and providing transport to parties, but indicated that they didn't feel well informed. The authors discuss these findings in light of other research, and suggest alcohol education programs to assist parents.