15.07.2024 - 47 percent of Oslo residents say they have seen intoxicated adults with children during summer vacations over the past two years. The alcohol awareness organization Av-og-til offers advice on what to do in such situations.
Ragnhild Kaski, the Secretary General of Av-og-til, urges people to speak up if they see drunk adults with children during the holidays, even if it might dampen the “good mood.”
“We must dare to speak up when someone drinks too much in front of children. Many hesitate to do so because it is uncomfortable. But the children's needs must take precedence over our own discomfort,” she encourages.
Every year, Av-og-til receives personal stories from people who grew up with parents who drank too much. Many recount that one of the worst aspects was that no other adults dared to intervene.
“It hurts even more to know that other adults see but choose to ignore,” Kaski explains.
Here's what you can do if you see intoxicated adults with children this summer:
If it feels appropriate, you should approach the child and show that you notice what is happening.
Try to speak calmly with the parents or other adults; sometimes it's best to wait until they are sober. Explain what you see and express your concerns.
Talk with other adults. Do they see the same thing as you? What can you do together to handle the situation?
Don’t hesitate to contact the Child and Youth Emergency Hotline if you need someone to discuss your concerns with.
About the survey:
The survey was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the alcohol awareness organization Av-og-til, with a representative sample of 2,507 people nationwide.
Source: Av-og-til