Our latest episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast explores the challenges young people face when it comes to alcohol in Ireland today. Martina Byrne, Manager of Crosscare, Ronanstown Youth Service, and Sive Brennan, a Leaving Cert student and Junior Youth Worker, join us for an insightful discussion on peer pressure, societal attitudes, and the impact of alcohol on young people. Martina highlights the critical services Crosscare provides, supporting young people through education, youth diversion programmes, and mental health initiatives. She also emphasises the importance of delaying the age at which young people start drinking, due to its negative effects on brain development and overall wellbeing.
Sive shares her first-hand experiences in youth work, discussing the role of education and supportive environments in helping young people resist peer pressure. She also explores the financial and health consequences of alcohol use and the growing trend of zero-alcohol beverages, questioning their impact on youth drinking culture. For parents and educators, this episode offers practical advice on fostering open conversations, setting a positive example, and building trust to help young people make informed choices. It reinforces the vital role parents play in shaping attitudes towards alcohol and guiding their children towards healthier decisions.
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