A student group in Mayo called The Mayo Junior Certificate Results Night Group (MJCRNG), set up four years ago to reduce the overall harm caused by alcohol during Junior Cert celebrations, is telling students to ‘stay safe’ after receiving their results today.

The group has visited the 26 schools around the county and is made up of members of the Gardai and the Western Region Drug Task Force (WRDTF) along with other children’s groups in an effort to reduce the number of arrests and accidents as part of the Junior Cert celebrations in the Mayo county.

According to the WRDTF, the group has been visiting schools and handing out ‘Mayo-colour green and red wristbands with the message to stay safe stay sober and have handed out 1000s of copies of a new leaflet called Teenage Years – A teenagers guide to protecting yourself on a night out.’

According to the WRDTF site, ‘Pat Conway, Community Liaison Worker with the Western Region Drugs Task Force, said that the Junior Certificate was a big milestone for Irish students. However, it could, and should be celebrated as a major achievement but without the risk of injury, sickness or at worst, arrest, because of the harmful effects of alcohol.

An Garda Síochana, Western Region Drugs Task Force and South West Mayo Development Company are carrying out this preventative work on behalf of the MJCRNG.
"We really want students to enjoy themselves on their big night out,” said Pat. "They deserve it. They studied hard and now they are getting the results for that hard work. But we want them to know that they don’t have to have a drink to have a good time. In fact, they are more likely to have a better time without touching alcohol or drugs. Being alcohol free is the healthiest option”

The new leaflet takes a straight-forward look at teenagers and alcohol. It tells teenagers how to keep safe on a night out, how to be prepared for pressure from friends to drink, things to consider before you try drink and essential safety information in case you, or a friend, has had too much to drink.
The group is also urging parents to play an active role in ensuring that their children are safe when they go out on Junior Cert night. Parents are the most important influence on teenager’s attitudes.’

Source. WRDTF

Worried about your teen’s safety? Please read our guide on Alcohol and Teens.

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