During adolescence, teens develop a biological need to be around friends and research strongly suggests that they should be provided opportunities to socialise with their peers whenever possible. Under the COVID-19 ‘social distancing’ restrictions parents have been asked to try to restrict these face-to-face interactions.

This presentation will examine how teens have adapted to the current situation and discuss some of the risks, as well as potential benefits of teens living in ‘isolation’. Most importantly, as the restrictions are gradually ‘rolled back’ over the months ahead, how should parents respond? Socialising, in all its forms, is going to look different for some time to come but underage drinking will inevitably play a role in many teen parties and gatherings.

To assist parents to navigate through a post-COVID-19 world some simple tips will also be provided to help ensure teens are able to interact with friends on a Saturday night and, at the same time, reduce the risk of underage drinking and the potential dangers associated with such behaviour.

Paul Dillon is the Director and founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA)and he is passionate about ensuring that the community has access to accurate and up-to-date alcohol and other drug information.

Highly sought after, each year, Paul presents to hundreds of school communities right across Australia, delivering information to students, teachers and parents.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, this event will now be conducted via webinar. Please register your email address using the above Reserve button.

Post event review;

As part of our TripleR Wellbeing program Paul Dillon‘s recent community evening session Parenting Post COVID was particularly tailored to the context of his Victorian audience … families in lockdown and the strain this places on family dynamics, especially parents of year 12 students who have been denied so many rites of passage experiences. Paul builds up important trust in his audience and his concern for the wellbeing of young people resonated with parents. By accepting that young people can never be immune from risk, his messages around drug taking and risky behaviour are always timely

With over 80 attendees’ parents were very appreciative of his timely advice; one parent expressing her “profound thanks” for the session. - Joan Gill, Director of Student Wellbeing Programs