The health expo was a project that I worked on for 6 weeks. The requirement for this project was to create an interactive stall that educates the viewers about different topics relating to alcohol. The topics that Saya, Isabella and I focused on were: Tips for hosting a party for a teenager, What is a standard drink (various types of alcohol) and how to keep track of them, Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol, Effects of binge drinking (short and long term.) My group created a poster and an improved version of beer pong where you bounce the ball into the pink cup you win a lolly.
What were the biggest things you learnt while completing this task?
The biggest thing that I learnt while completing this task was the variety of different parts of consuming alcohol. Whilst researching this topic I learnt about the many consequences of drinking alcohol such as Vomiting, nausea, mental health conditions, risk of stroke and increase risk of various types of cancer, just to name a few. I learnt that there are so many different types of drinking games that people play but non of them are 100% safe and healthy. I also learnt that 1 drink does not have the equivalent amount of alcohol as one standard drink. This means that a beer, although it has a larger volume, has less alcohol than a shot. I learnt many new ideas surrounding alcohol while doing this project.
What one piece of advice would you pass on to young teenagers above all else? Why?
One piece of advise I would give to a young teenager is that don’t give into peer pressure. If your friends are pressuring you into drinking and going to parties you are in the wrong friend group. Only 2.8% of 14-17 year old’s drink weekly. If they say that “everyone does it” you should know that they are wrong. I feel this message is important to convey to young teenagers because I know people who feel that to fit in they need to take part in these illegal activities. They need to know that if your friends are forcing you into drinking there are many excuses you could make to avoid participating. Some include, “Sorry I planned to go out with some other friends” or ” I have to go to the shops to buy my mum a present.” If they protest they are not good friends and you should tell an adult what they are doing. Overall this idea that drinking in fact isn’t “cool” should be told to young teenagers above all else.
Write down a pledge that you will commit to if you start drinking alcohol (at the legal age of 18 years) Why did you pick these things to commit to? How will you stick to these commitments?
I will not drink alcohol even if I am being peer pressured. I will not take part in dangerous amounts of drinking. I will always notify my parents if I ever do decide to drink and have a sober adult around. Finally, I will not drink alcohol until I am at the legal age of 18 years old. I chose to commit to these things because I am determined to keep myself safe and healthy in the future. I understand the negative effects of alcohol and I want to protect myself from possible harm. I will stick to these commitments by standing my ground and understanding that some people have different understandings of the effects of alcohol and that is ok. I will commit my keeping myself safe and others safe if possible.