Are schools and alcohol a good mix? A qualitative study of school principals' experiences of adults' alcohol use in Australian secondary schools

Abstract

Objective Parents, schools and the broader community influence children's socialisation to alcohol. In Australia, the UK and the USA, there have been media reports of adults consuming alcohol at family-focused school events such as fairs and graduations. The aim of this qualitative study was to describe school principals' experiences of adults' use of alcohol at school events, when children are present. Design/setting/participants A qualitative study was undertaken. Publicly available lists were used to invite 60 principals from government and Catholic secondary schools in Victoria, Australia. In-depth interviews were conducted and analysed thematically and reported using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Results 14 principals (5 female, 9 male) participated. Most (10) of the participating principals reported adults' use of alcohol at events when students were present. Regarding these events, most principals reported concerns regarding potential harms and responsibility for decision-making about alcohol availability in schools. Some (4) principals believed alcohol should not be present at such events and this was their practice. Half of the participating schools had recently made changes to reduce the availability or management of alcohol at school functions. Conclusions The findings confirm the common use of alcohol by adults at school events, the challenges this poses for school principals and suggests consideration needs to be given to identifying strategies for supporting schools and school principals in decision-making regarding the conduct of such events.

Behind Closed Doors: The Priorities of the Alcohol Industry as Communicated in a Trade Magazine

“…This is especially critical in contexts where there are large numbers of young people who are being acculturated into adult society and learning about the role of alcohol via observation. Important starting points include policies that prevent adults from consuming alcohol at school events where children are present ( 49 ) and university policies that reduce students' exposure to alcohol on campus ( 50 , 51 ). Other potential opportunities include policies relating to the service of alcohol at conferences and other work-related events ( 52 ).…”

Do schools and alcohol mix? Australian parents' perspectives

“…There is a discrepancy between the permissive nature of adult drinking at school events and attitudes towards 'serving alcohol to adults that might include students who are over 18 years at school celebrations', with the latter being far less supported by the parents in this study. Given the frequency at which such alcohol consumption occurs however (Ward et al, 2016a, Ward et al, 2016b, it could be that this response is particularly negative due to the stipulation in the question, that over 18-year-old students might also be included. Again, parents appear to be less supportive when faced with the reality of their own child drinking.…”

“…In most Australian jurisdictions, decision-making about alcohol consumption at school events and the promotion of alcohol in fundraising efforts are largely the responsibility of school principals and school councils (Ward et al , 2014). Several Australian studies have reported on the attitudes and experiences of school principals regarding the promotion and adults' use of alcohol on school premises and demonstrate that adults' alcohol use at school events is common (Ward et al , 2016a, 2016b). In a survey of 241 secondary school principals in New South Wales and Victoria, 36% reported at least one event where alcohol was consumed in the presence of students in the previous year, and 17% reported offering alcohol as a prize for a school fundraiser (Ward et al , 2016b).…”

“…In a survey of 241 secondary school principals in New South Wales and Victoria, 36% reported at least one event where alcohol was consumed in the presence of students in the previous year, and 17% reported offering alcohol as a prize for a school fundraiser (Ward et al , 2016b). The majority of events cited were year 12 graduation events (78%) and debutante balls (18%), with no sporting events cited, but a related qualitative study found that alcohol consumption also occurred at sporting, art, music and other on- and off-site events (Ward et al , 2016a).…”

Principals as Managers of Primary and Secondary Schools: State of the Art of Qualitative Research

“…Výzkumy realizované mezi řediteli doporučují, aby učitelé a dospělí byli vždy dobrým příkladem a sami se konzumaci alkoholu před studenty zřekli (např. na studentských akcích) (Ward, Buykx, Munro, & Wiggers, 2016). Drogová prevence musí být podpořena dalšími institucemi a aktéry.…”