Introducing teens to alcohol at home

Minister of State Róisín Shortall voiced frustration with parents who opt to give their teenagers alcohol (Front page, January 18th). She pointed out that this was a counterproductive strategy, however well-intentioned. While your reporting of her comments was reasonably neutral, the subsequent discussion in the media was far from balanced.

Most radio comment sought to present the Minister as attacking parents en masse. Indeed a spokesperson for the National Parents Council expressed annoyance at the Minister’s comments and elaborated on her support for the myth that giving teenagers alcohol in the home magically teaches them to drink alcohol responsibly.

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Source: Irish Times, 26/01/2012