Editor’s Note: Celebrate with responsibility in mind

THIS is especially relevant for matriculants, who will be exchanging the confines of a structured, disciplined, enforced daily environment for one in which lifestyle decisions will largely be their own.

And it will begin immediately with the question of how to celebrate their new freedom.

‘Pen’s down’ parties and similar revelries will be the order of the day.

Unfortunately, ‘to celebrate’ means, for many, ‘to get drunk’.

For many it may be their first real encounter with alcohol and its abuse – and they may not be able to handle it maturely.

Drunkenness in itself is fraught with danger.

When drunk, inhibitions are lowered and this can lead to harsh sexual consequences, including rape and unwanted pregnancies.

We see only too vividly year after year how aggression and violence are unleashed on their peers by inebriated young men, who may well have little recollection of their actions the following morning.

The inevitable ‘drink and drive’ fatalities and casualties also bear testimony to the recklessness associated with ill-considered actions.

There is also the distinct possibility of arrests and subsequent criminal records that could affect future employment and community status.

Drownings are another party phenomenon, as swimming while intoxicated is an invitation for disaster.

Two major requirements are essential at this time.

Young people need to take responsibility for their own safety and security.

Decisions they make – or fail to make – today, may hurt them for the rest of their lives.

Don’t get drunk. Don’t accept lifts from drivers who are over the limit.

Don’t be in risky places at vulnerable times, especially with people you don’t know.

And parents: know where your children are and who they are with at all times.

This is not infringing on their freedom; it is caring and it shows appropriate concern.

Otherwise, the next time you see them might be in the ICU or, worse still, the police mortuary.