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Smart way to find out about teen drinking law

Sunday, 05 February 2012

A new smartphone 'app' will help parents and young people understand new Victorian laws regarding alcohol and minors.

Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said today the Teen Drinking Law app, which is now available for download on iPhones, androids and other smart phones, will also guide parents and young people as they weigh up the risks involved in underage drinking.

"Created as part of a joint education initiative between the Victorian Coalition Government, VicHealth and the Australian Drug Foundation, the app offers simple, plain language information on the laws about alcohol and under-18s in Victoria," Ms Wooldridge said.

"It also equips parents and young people with a lot of the information they need to navigate tricky decisions involving alcohol and young people."

Ms Wooldridge said the app included three 'choose your own adventure' party scenarios, covering:

• Parents and guardians whose children will be attending a party where alcohol will be served
• Parents and other adults who are planning to host a party for under-18s
• Young people attending a party where alcohol will be available

The app also features a fictional party attended by seven young people who are making very different decisions about their drinking – and the consequences of the choices they're making.

"All the scenarios in the app represent real life situations young people and parents tell us they find themselves in – and they weigh up some of the tough choices they have to make," Ms Wooldridge said.

Ms Wooldridge said the app also made finding help with alcohol issues easier for young people and adults, with 'one-tap' connection to the phone lines and websites of a broad range of support organisations around Victoria

The app was developed as part of a $1 million campaign to raise awareness of a change in law last November that makes it illegal to supply alcohol in a private home to anyone under 18, unless their parent or guardian has given permission.

Ms Wooldridge said the campaign would ensure young Victorians and parents were aware of the new law, which was an election commitment of the Victorian Coalition Government.

The new app can be downloaded from:http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/teen-drinking-law/id495863444?mt=8

For more information about the new laws on teenage drinking, go to: www.teendrinkinglaw.vic.gov.au