Enjoy yourselves but take care and look out for one another! This is the message being circulated to Junior Certificate Students and their parents/guardians by local Gardaí in Donegal this morning.
The lead up to the release of the results can be an anxious time for students, but remember it is only an exam. Exams are not the be all and end all of everything. Everyone loses out at some time or other and failing an exam isn’t the end of the world.
Getting exam results can release a lot of built up tension, be the results fantastic or drastic!
Students:
Have a contingency plan for what to do if results aren’t as good as you hoped.
Look after yourself
Expectations can lead to a lot of stress. It’s important to take time out by doing something that you usually enjoy.
Stay Connected with Your Pals
You may need a little space and time to absorb your exam results, remember you can always do better next time and learn from past mistakes. Ask for help. Keep in touch with the pals, they are there to help you!
Remember binge drinking can directly cause accidents and injury as well as depression, anxiety, suicide and attempted suicide. Alcohol consumption has risen 48% in the past ten years. The average age for teens to start drinking is 14 to 15, three years younger than it was thirty years ago.
Parents:
What is important is for you to look for positive ways forward and to be behind them 100%.
Encourage them to talk and reassure them that you are behind them and love them whatever the results. Reassure them that failing an exam doesn’t make them a failure and that while you may all be disappointed in the results, you aren’t disappointed in your child.
Communicate with other parents about your teenagers plans.
Each teen will tell you ‘everyone else is allowed’ until you talk to the other parents and discover that that may not be the case.
A teenager with positive self esteem is less likely to misuse alcohol or drugs. Sporting activities and clubs occupy them and build a solid sense of themselves. Empower your child to make good and informed choices.
Finally:
You may have some ‘valid’ concerns about post result celebrations. It is a time for students to release their tensions, celebrate or commiserate with pals and family! Set your mind at ease and know where your child is. It’s important for discuss celebration ‘venues’ and transport arrangements with your child and other parents.
Talk with your teen about alcohol
Your values and attitudes count with your child
Teens find it hard to say No to the peer pressure, help them
Ensure the event is age appropriate, no fake ID
Validate arrangement with other parents
Monitor alcohol at home
Drop them close to the venue at the start time
Collect them when disco is over
In relation to this advice Sgt Wallace commented: “We want to wish all the students receiving their Junior Certificate results all the best but it is important to remember it is only an exam, and in the course of life exams will be failed as well as passed. If all goes to plan – great, if not it is not the end of the world and remember life is for living. Look out for one another, be wise, be sensible and enjoy.”
Sgt Paul Wallace confirmed that local Gardaí have well established liaison and communication with the local business community / licensing trade and welcomed their cooperation in ensuring all young people enjoy their night and enjoy themselves in a safe and responsible environment.
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