It’s that time of year again when matriculants from around the country converge on some of South Africa’s coastal towns for their ‘matric holiday’. Matriculants and their parents should be aware of the potential dangers connected to these holidays.

Unfortunately a large number of these young people celebrate their new-found freedom in a way that leaves their teachers, parents and family members stunned. The normally well-behaving youngsters go on the rampage, trash holiday flats and vandalise property, celebrating their freedom with drink, drugs and big-time partying.

The youngsters today seem to becoming more and more unruly while on these year-end excursions. Over the years it seems as though the debauchery has been getting worse.

Dangerous behaviour

The behaviour of some of these youngsters is downright dangerous, not only to themselves but also to others.

    • Drugs and alcohol remove a person’s inhibitions and common sense, which may result in risky sexual behaviour, violence and driving while under the influence.
    • Risky sexual behaviour, whether as a result of drug and alcohol abuse or not, may lead to unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV infection.
    • Road accidents while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving without a driver’s licence or driving an vehicle that is not roadworthy may result in serious injury, loss of life and a criminal record.

What parents can do

Even though your child is now a young adult and your task of parenting is virtually over, you should have a serious conversation with your child before he or she embarks on that matric holiday.

    • As you’ve probably done many times during his or her life, reiterate the consequences of the dangerous behaviour set out above. Stress that one thoughtless act may lead to a lifetime of sorrow and heartbreak. You can make an appeal on your child’s sense of responsibility, also for the others in the group, pointing out that when they look out for one another, the risks may decrease.
    • Try to convince your child to join a matric holiday arranged by responsible organisations rather than going in their own group. Some churches, cultural organisations and schools now plan and oversee such holidays.
    • Offer to transport or arrange safe transport for your child and his or her friends to the holiday destination. If they insist on going on their own, ensure that the driver has a valid driver’s licence.
    • Get to know the friends you child is going with. If possible, also get to know their parents. Exchange contact details with the parents so that you can keep in touch.
    • Get the address and contact details of the destination.
    • Always set a good example to your children. They mainly learn their behaviour from their parents.

Even though you are concerned and care about your child, you do not want to spoil his or her holiday. Therefore, after having warned him or her of the dangers, wish your child a lovely holiday.

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