Mums and dads urged to join Junior Cert party

Parents of Junior Certificate students have been urged to get involved in their plans to celebrate the results tomorrow.

There are concerns the release of results to about 57,000 students will trigger a round of underage drinking with 15 to 16 year olds.

Dr Bobby Smyth, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with the Health Service Executive (HSE), called on parents to have an honest and open conversation with children about drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Fionnuala Sheehan, CEO of drinkaware.ie, said parents should consider inviting their child's friends to their home to celebrate.

"Parents need to ask themselves do they need to know where their child is going, who are they going with, will there be alcohol available and how are they planning on getting home," she said.

Source: Katherine Donnelly, The Irish Times, 13/09/2010