Earlier this year, a Deakin University study released results that showed more than half of Mandurah’s 14-year-olds were regular drinkers: 13 per cent more than the national average.
Following up on discussions at the Youth Alcohol Strategy Launch to deal with this problem, the Mandurah council is introducing the Communities That Care program at three local schools.
The schools involved are yet to be announced.
Surveys of year 8 and 10 students at the schools will run in September, to identify risk factors in the lives of local youth.
Based on the data collected, the City will be involved in selecting and implementing strategies to improve social and developmental outcomes for young people, with a particular focus on reducing risk-taking behaviour and the use of alcohol in adolescents.
At the Youth Alcohol Strategy Launch, John Toumbourou, chief of Communities That Care, said they were trying to bring evidence-based support to communities around the country, including Mandurah.
Mayor Marina Vergone said she was looking forward to seeing a change in attitudes towards alcohol in the community.
She said underage drinking not only affects the young people engaging in it, but it could also impact families, relationships, the community, and perceptions of the area.
South Metropolitan Population Health Unit and the School Drug Education and Road Aware have partnered with the City to deliver this program.
