The City of Melville south of Perth has launched a powerful new educational resource aimed at addressing teen binge drinking.
The DVD, titled The Gathering, highlights a typical adolescent gathering that spirals out of control due to an over supply of alcohol and the arrival of gatecrashers. Hard hitting themes in the film include sexual assault, violence, glassing and alcoholic poisoning.
The 2008 National Drug Research Institute found that, on average, one in four hospitalisations of 15 to 25 year olds happen because of alcohol. In addition, four Australians under 25 die due to alcohol related injuries in an average week.
Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said the script for The Gathering was written with the input of more than 150 teenagers who described the real and dangerous situations they find themselves in.
“Teen binge drinking can and does lead to a number of horrifying situations,” he said. “These can include car accidents, sexual assault, violent attacks, hospitalisation and even death.
“This DVD resource is designed to engage young people in discussion and raise awareness about the harms associated with binge drinking. The resource depicts drunkenness as undesirable and discourages the secondary supply of alcohol to juveniles by parents, older siblings and friends.”
The Gathering is accompanied by resource material to assist teachers and facilitators in effectively engaging young people in discussion about strategies for staying safe when socialising.
Several years ago the City of Melville identified the need to target young people in alcohol education programs. The script developed for The Gathering was created after discussing typical events occurring at teenage parties. It was then workshopped with teenagers to ensure the credibility of the characters, scenario and language.
The DVD will be provided to all senior schools in the City of Melville free of charge.
For further information visit the website at www.melvillecity.com.au/thegathering
