The Christmas period is indeed a time to rejoice and it is therefore natural and good that youth express their joy by meeting each other and party. It is, however, sad to note that youths are being short-changed by a false culture that depicts happiness as instant gratification, the Diocesan Youth Commission said.

“It has become standard for those who organise parties to include open bars in the party package. This contributes to a culture of binge drinking, which can only lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. Some people in the entertainment industry are not able to put the interests of youth as a priority, money making is their sole concern,” the commission said in a statement.

KDZ said, however, that apart from the responsibilities of the organisers, society should examine itself on what is leading the young to the party ritual of mass drinking.

“Youth and adolescents are being raised with an individualistic and a “here and now” mentality. Such mentalities can never lead to true and enduring joy.”

The Commission said it supports any initiative to raise the legal age of alcohol consumption from 16 to 18.

“Similarly the promotion of alcohol and open bars should be completely banned in any place where youths meet regularly, especially in schools and higher education institutions.”

Moreover, KDZ is also insisting that the police conduct more spot checks and assure more supervision.

“It is not enough to advise the general public not to drink and drive.

It should be emphasised that too much drinking ruins any healthy fun.

More importantly, however, is that more should be invested in youth welfare. In particular there should be more attention on holistic educational programmes, alternative entertainment and the introduction of holistic health clinics where youth can find support and counsel not only for physical problems but especially for their psychological, social and spiritual lives, KDZ said.