Why are a number of Maltese children resorting to binge drinking? A question that is being asked by a number of justifiably worried parents and one that has no simple answers. Is it to escape from the stresses of modern adolescent life? Is it because drink is being made more readily available to them? Is it simply because everyone else their age is doing it?

No one can deny that kids are subjected to greater stresses at an earlier age than was the case, say, 20 years ago. Many are aware of the fact that they will not be able to make it unless they have decent qualifications. Even the most basic of jobs nowadays require a degree of formal expertise that is only attainable by sitting for a number of exams.

The cushioning of the traditional family is now only reserved for an ever-shrinking number of children and teens. A greater number of mothers, understandably enough, choose to pursue their careers. Many kids have to face the tough realities of broken families. They have to grow up earlier.

Open bar! Happy hour! Two drinks for the price of one! Yes, alcohol is much more accessible than it was in the past. Bars and clubs have sprouted all over the place and competition for the limited “market” is fierce. The cheaper the drinks, the more customers you are bound to get. The cheaper the drinks, the more your customers are going to drink. So it makes sense, business-wise, to offer drinks at ridiculous prices.

Times have changed. Kids are bombarded with media images which show them, tell them, what to wear, listen to, read, eat and… drink. Not doing what you’re shown means you’re a “nerd”, a “geek” not part of the “in” crowd.

Kids are meeting up with their friends at our entertainment mecca at an earlier age. They start off by going to nearby Bay Street but slowly drift towards Paceville.

They are exposed to the antics of our young adults at an early age.

When you see the people around you tottering around in semi-stupor it might be shocking or, perhaps, funny at first.

It eventually becomes acceptable. But you can’t very well lock your child up during the weekends can you? When you eventually release him (or her), and you’ll have to do it sometime, they’ll want to make up for lost time and that’ll be even worse.

There are no easy answers to this modern dilemma. We’ve got less time with our kids.

Ok, but let’s make it a point to actually give them that time. It’s tough after a hard day’s work but give them a few minutes to discuss what they’ve experienced during the day. If they get used to speaking to us we’ll be listened to when it’s time to give them some advice. And let’s not go to the opposite extreme of the “spare the rod spoil the child” mentality. Yes, kids do need guidance and discipline.

Some of those involved in the entertainment industry should be made to act more responsibly. The police should treat those who serve drinks to minors with the severity they deserve.

There is, however, a significant loophole in the law. As things stand it is illegal to sell alcohol to a person who is under 16 but it’s basically ok if you give it to him or her.

The result? The police have to grin and bear it when they see a 12- or 13-year-old stumbling along with a bottle of wine in his hand. This is nothing short of a national disgrace. Minister Dolores Cristina is pushing for legislation that will make it illegal for kids to drink, period. She deserves all the support we can give her.

We’ve all learnt a lot through making mistakes.

Our kids have to do so as well. We can, however, make it just a bit more difficult for them to make them.

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando is a Nationalist Member of Parliament