Although, there are a small percentage of teenagers that do in fact behave inappropriately, huge numbers of young people do not get recognised for their respect and well behaved nature towards the community on Hayling.
Hayling is a restricted area; As Head Boy and Head Girl, we attended an Alcohol Awareness meeting recently, in relation to CAP, The Community Alcohol Partnership, with our deputies. Everyone agreed that attempting to stop teenagers drinking alcohol altogether was completely unrealistic but that the main cause of antisocial behaviour in the community is alcohol-related.
Recently we have been informed about a couple of opportunities that have opened up; This role will have to be approached with maturity as this is a unique opportunity to take advantage of what the island has to offer.
House parties have become increasingly popular with the younger generation and during the CAP meeting the main issue that was raised, was that the party itself is not the problem itself, but the anti-social behaviour after, when they are making their way home. This issue could potentially be improved by sessions that fully educate parents and guardians about the dangers and effects of alcohol, and further education in school about how to keep yourself safe after a party.
Our main aim is to gradually reduce the amount of young people on Hayling that behave incompetently under the influence of alcohol. With everyone’s co-operation we hope that The Community Alcohol Partnership succeeds and meets its expectations.