Harmless fun – or growing social problem?

We must all take care in our use of alcohol, especially as parents, and Christians must not be complacent about some of the negative effects of excessive consumption.

Results of a recent survey by The Institute of Alcohol Studies published on 18 October 2017, have shown that even moderate drinking by parents can have a negative impact on children, disrupting their lives and causing anxiety.

According to the survey of the UK population, parents do not have to regularly drink large amounts around children for them to notice changes in behaviour. Children’s response can include embarrassment and fear of the consequences.

Thirty per cent of adults surveyed had been drunk in front of their children, and a similar proportion thought that being drunk in front of their children was acceptable. Children surveyed did not think seeing their parents drunk provided a positive role model for them.

As Christians we are not immune from this problem. We need to talk about the problem of serious medical addiction which can have devastating effects on family life. But we must also guard against the casual drift into dependence. All too often Christians can rely on alcohol as a reward, a means of relaxation, or something that overcomes shyness or to fill lonely evenings.

We must also seek to be positive role models, enjoying alcohol as one of the good gifts that God has given us, but doing so with thankfulness, moderation and respect for others who may be either tempted or offended by our behaviour.

Graham Nicholls, Affinity Director