Ms LEE - 2012-10-31
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arnhem for her question. This is a very important part of how we go about providing education services in the Northern Territory. One of the reasons why providing education is such a challenge is the behaviour of adults regarding alcohol consumption within our community. As adults, and as parents, we have a significant influence over our children, more so than anyone or anything. We are competing these days with things like television, movies, and the Internet. Parents have a tough job when it comes to providing a good role model for their children.
One of the most difficult challenges in the Northern Territory is to assist adults in being good role models for their children when it comes to alcohol consumption. It is clear that responsible habits lead to responsible behaviour and a better chance for children getting along to school every day. Alcohol can stand in the way of kids going to school; we know that. It can inhibit the general functioning of everyday life, which includes preparing kids for school, feeding them, and getting them off to school. We know this is a major problem in the Northern Territory. There is compelling evidence which shows that children attending school nine days out of 10 - 90% of the time or better - learn to read and count so much faster than those who do not.
Therefore, it is imperative this government, working with communities, schools, parents, and children throughout the Northern Territory, gets on top of this. What is the link between school attendance and performance and alcohol consumption? It cannot be ignored. It is something we really need to look at.
As parents or senior members of our community, the right thing to do is to be good role models for our children; we need to be the living day-to-day examples for our children when it comes to good drinking behaviour. Reject ‘do as I say, not as I do’, particularly as your children get older. I know when I am enjoying a glass of wine occasionally I am very conscious of the fact that my prepubescent kids are looking at me, seeing how I am behaving and how I am …
Ms Walker: But where is this from a policy perspective?
Mrs LAMBLEY: This is all about policy and I do not need any interjections from the other side. This is an important part of how we will move forward when it comes to linking education and alcohol policy.
Also, as parents and adults, we need to convey appropriate attitudes. We should never laugh at intoxication or inappropriate behaviour. We can use news events, TV, movies, or personal events as appropriate opportunities to discuss what appropriate and inappropriate behaviours are when it comes to alcohol consumption.
Other things we need to impart to our children are not to drink and drive - very basic things; do not participate in drinking games or contests. Parents should exert more influence over their offspring than they do, and this will be a part of how we move forward with education and linking alcohol to education in the Northern Territory.
One of the most difficult challenges in the Northern Territory is to assist adults in being good role models for their children when it comes to alcohol consumption. It is clear that responsible habits lead to responsible behaviour and a better chance for children getting along to school every day. Alcohol can stand in the way of kids going to school; we know that. It can inhibit the general functioning of everyday life, which includes preparing kids for school, feeding them, and getting them off to school. We know this is a major problem in the Northern Territory. There is compelling evidence which shows that children attending school nine days out of 10 - 90% of the time or better - learn to read and count so much faster than those who do not.
Therefore, it is imperative this government, working with communities, schools, parents, and children throughout the Northern Territory, gets on top of this. What is the link between school attendance and performance and alcohol consumption? It cannot be ignored. It is something we really need to look at.
As parents or senior members of our community, the right thing to do is to be good role models for our children; we need to be the living day-to-day examples for our children when it comes to good drinking behaviour. Reject ‘do as I say, not as I do’, particularly as your children get older. I know when I am enjoying a glass of wine occasionally I am very conscious of the fact that my prepubescent kids are looking at me, seeing how I am behaving and how I am …
Ms Walker: But where is this from a policy perspective?
Mrs LAMBLEY: This is all about policy and I do not need any interjections from the other side. This is an important part of how we will move forward when it comes to linking education and alcohol policy.
Also, as parents and adults, we need to convey appropriate attitudes. We should never laugh at intoxication or inappropriate behaviour. We can use news events, TV, movies, or personal events as appropriate opportunities to discuss what appropriate and inappropriate behaviours are when it comes to alcohol consumption.
Other things we need to impart to our children are not to drink and drive - very basic things; do not participate in drinking games or contests. Parents should exert more influence over their offspring than they do, and this will be a part of how we move forward with education and linking alcohol to education in the Northern Territory.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016