Browse Topics
Tools
Editor's choice

Learning Dutch is a must!

Sint comes to town

A guide to childcare in the Netherlands

Dutch u-turn on soft drugs tolerance

Yoga--a beginner's guide and where to take classes in the Netherlands

Report: Expatica's "i am not a tourist" Fair 2009

A parent's guide to the Dutch education system

Amsterdam grapples with integration since filmmaker's murder

Wilders debate: shouting or convincing?

Internaxx Stock Market
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.3 0.50
DAX 5252.45 1.50
IBEX 30 10726.8 0.59
CAC 40 3377.59 1.40
FTSE 100 4564.5 0.79
AEX 276.85 0.95
DJIA 9096.72 -0.13
Nasdaq 1975.51 0.39
FTSE MIB 20341.67 1.65
TSX Composite 10570.54 -1.74
ASX 4148.9 -0.60
Hang seng 20135.5 -2.37
Straits Times 0.00
ISEQ 20 442.48 0.27
You are here: Home Health & Fitness Healthcare 'Eternal adolescence' through binge drinking

Healthcare

archive
Print Email Comment Subscribe
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size

15/12/2008'Eternal adolescence' through binge drinking

Eternal adolescence Alcohol is not just dangerous for growing children, it is downright disastrous. Recent research among adolescents shows that the damage is permanent. Binge drinking can even lead to a permanently underdeveloped brain.

 A paediatrician from the Dutch town of Delft has been trying to convince both parents and children that alcohol should be avoided totally until the age of 23.

Paediatrician Nico van der Lely has noticed in his own practice that the number of cases of binge drinking is skyrocketing. The number of children admitted to hospitals in a 'comatose' state has risen to one or two a day. 

Dr Van der Lely decided to create a special outpatients' clinic for children - the first such clinic in the Netherlands - and he visits secondary schools. "Parents underestimate the dangers of alcohol", he says.
"Once a child has had his first drink, the door's wide open for more drinking with their friends. So ban it, no means no".

Dilemmas
But some parents who have heard him speak are sceptical about his message. After all, currently accepted practice is quite different: many well-intentioned parents serve their adolescent sons their first beers at home, or their daughters their first glass of champagne on New Year's Eve.
 
Photo: FlickR.com/Fernando Ariotti
The logic is that this is how you teach your children to drink alcohol responsibly. Moreover, what parent these days still believes in saying no? Dr Van der Lely, however, is unswayed:
 
"An adolescent is unable to drink responsibly, precisely because his brain is not fully grown. Striking a deal along the lines of: 'If you don't smoke till you're 18, we'll pay for your driving licence' does not work either. You have to be clear; no means no".
 
Unconscious 
Have your Dutch News delivered straight to your inbox - sign up for our e-mail newsletter now!

Print Email Comment Subscribe

General rating:

Rate article:    Add my rating

0 reactions to this article

Reply
Discussion Forums

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

Moving to UK - what happens to my Dutch residence permit, by avocado

Discuss Dutch Culture

What do people of Africa descent think of Zwarte Pete?, by pepe C

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

Consequences of not registering with the gemeente?, by wesley-nl

Netherlands Soapbox

Random Thought of the Day, by wesley-nl

Employment in the Netherlands

Starting business as a partner of highly skilled migrant, by air23time

participate in the forums

Health & Fitness essentials
Health & Fitness expert Q&A
ask your question
Health & Fitness A-Z listings
find the business you need
Inside Expatica
Healthcare in the Netherlands

Healthcare in the Netherlands

Here’s a current guide to health insurance, doctors, dentists and pharmacies.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2009.

The Netherlands at a glance

The Netherlands at a glance

Some basic facts and figures about living and working in the Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.