"16 year old Sam was hanging out with older friends and drinking prior to a party. Jesse, 18, has recently attained their P plates and drove Sam and 2 other friends to the party. The plan is for Jesse to drive them all home later that night."
(I was unable to find any pictures containing real teenagers drinking alcohol at a party)
There are multiple potential risks within this scenario/plan. Below, several of them have been listed.
For starters, there are multiple legal risks with this plan. Here are several of these legal risks:
Underage drinking: As Sam is 16, and therefore a minor. it is illegal for him to drink. If they're dumb and get caught, Sam could face consequences legally, including fines.
Providing alcohol to a minor: Jesse and any other friends of legal drinking age could catch a charge (or charges) for providing alcohol to Sam.
Possible drink driving: It doesn't say if Jesse also drank prior to the party, but if he still has alcohol in his system, he could catch even more charges for driving.
Too many passengers: P platers have limits on how many other young people they can carry in a car at once. Jesse is doing yet another illegal thing.
Alcohol Poisoning: Sam's tolerance is lower due to (him? her?) being at the ripe old age of 16, as well as potential inexperience with alcohol. This increases the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Impaired Judgment: Alcohol impairs judgment, increasing the likelihood of risky behaviour, accidents, etc. This goes for everyone that drank.
Drink Driving: Even small amounts of alcohol impair ones driving ability. If Jesse did indeed drink, he puts everyone in the car and others on the road at big significant risk.
Vulnerability: A drunk Sam makes (him? her?) more vulnerable to accidents, injuries, exploitation, and assault.
Peer Pressure: Originally, I was going to make a social risks section, but I couldn't think of anything other than this. Peer pressure is yet another risk that this scenario produces. It could make Sam do things that normally would not occur.
In this scenario, direct refusal could be effective. Some examples of direct refusal:
"No thanks, I'm good." // "I don't feel like it tonight because <excuse goes here>."
Pros: Clear, simple, efficient, avoids having to lie.
Cons: Blunt, might not work with more determined individuals.
Another option. Some examples:
"You guys know I can't drink because <insert funny sounding excuse you wish to use here>." // "One sip and I'll be <funny thing goes here>."
Pros: Avoids direct confrontation if you're scared of voicing opinions contrary to the status quo and can lighten mood potentially.
Cons: Might not be taken seriously, might end up pressured over your inability to drink.
A service that could potentially help Sam is called Kids Helpline, found at kidshelpline.com.au. Contrary to what the name may suggest, they target young adults as well as what one would consider a "kid". Sam, facing peer pressure to drink and ride with (probably drunk) friends, can access support from Kids Helpline. Kids Helpline offers confidential counselling which could promote Sam's emotional well-being and could assist in reducing risks. They provide a safe space for Sam to explore options, empowering Sam to make safer choices. However, its effectiveness relies on Sam's willingness to reach out, and Sam might find discussing sensitive topics with a stranger uncomfortable at best. Below, I have compiled some dot point style pros/cons for Kids Helpline:
Confidential and anonymous: Sam can (allegedly) talk freely without judgment.
24/7 availability: Support is accessible 24x7.
Trained counsellors: Provides professional guidance and support.
Multiple contact options: Phone, chat, email for different comfort levels.
Free service: Even if Sam is broke, the service is still accessible.
High Accessibility: Website, email, phoneline, etc is dead simple to access.
Relies on Sam's initiative: Sam must reach out. The service isn't batman; nobody is coming to save Sam, Sam must do it.
Limited direct intervention: Like the last con, the service isn't batman; can't control the situation or others' actions.
Potential discomfort: Talking to a stranger about sensitive topics might not be for Sam.
Accessibility Barriers: Potential stigma around seeking help.
