The problem of teenage drinking in South Africa has once again come into the spotlight after pictures of underage girls proudly consuming alcohol outside a local tavern started circulating on social media this week.
The pictures, which have gone viral on social media, show teenagers holding cans of alcohol, seemingly carefree, while in the background, at a tavern.
Public outrage has followed, with calls for accountability from tavern owners, parents, and the government.
Experts believe teenage drinking is a multifaceted issue, with societal, parental, and economic influences all contributing to the crisis.
In June 2022, more than 20 teenagers died at an overcrowded Enyobeni Tavern pens down event which was mainly young people under the age of 18, with the youngest victim at least 13. The parents were told their children died from suffocation.
Many of those victims were underage, sparking outrage across the nation and leading to demands for stricter regulations on alcohol sales to minors.
Yet, despite the shock and public outcry that followed the tragedy, scenes like these trending pictures show that little has changed since.
Professor Joel Francis, a Research Professor of Family Medicine and Primary Care at Wits University told IOL that societal, parental, and economic influences all contributing to the alcohol abuse crisis.
“It is a societal problem but multifaceted, there are several contributing factors. Parenting is critical in influencing good behaviours, including avoiding substance use,” said Professor Francis.
One of the main criticisms raised by the public is the ease with which underage drinkers are able to access alcohol.
While South Africa’s legal drinking age is 18, weak enforcement of this law, particularly in rural and township areas, has allowed minors to purchase alcohol without much resistance.
Tavern owners, many argue, prioritise profit over compliance, turning a blind eye to underage patrons in exchange for sales.
Francis said parents and adults around the teenagers, contributed massively to the alcohol abuse problem of teenagers.
“Parents contribute to children’s behaviours through the enforcement of great virtues and also by doing the right things in front of their children.
“There are other influencing factors, for example, the school that children go to, exposure to advertisements, religiosity, location, and density of taverns,” he explained.
Francis emphasised that issues like the easy access to which alcohol in local communities and poor enforcement of drinking age laws drive the trend.
“Location and the lack of enforcement of the legal age for drinking at taverns contribute significantly to underage drinking,” he cautioned.
On social media, many, like @Mlu Lex Nontwana had their say on the burning issue.
“We put the blame to those who sold the alcohol to under age kids. Whether it’s Enyobeni or any liquor outlet that sells alcohol to minors.This is not parents failure but government’s fault.”
Other commentators pointed to the government’s role in exacerbating the issue by granting too many rights to children.
