JC exam celebrations ‘should be alcohol-free’

Parents of Junior Cert students must ensure results celebrations do not involve alcohol, drink awareness experts have warned.

A spokesman for Alcohol Action Ireland said parents should talk openly about all plans for celebratory nights out.

"Parents need to know all the important details, what they'll be doing, who they'll be with and their transport.

"Your child needs to know they can call you without fear of recrimination if they feel unsafe or unwell at any point."

Fionnuala Sheehan of drinkaware.ie said parents and alcohol retailers must be extra alert to under-age drinking.

"Teens access much of the alcohol they consume by finding other people to purchase it or by sourcing it in their home or friends' homes," she said.

Lynda O'Shea of the National Parents Council Post Primary said parents should ensure events are alcohol-free.

"There needs to be a mutual understanding of the expectations around the Junior Cert celebrations," she said.