Latest news with #MokebeThulo
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Shaping teen attitudes on alcohol: 'Youth want connection, not fear'
A study by the Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education ( has found that schools, media and communication platforms play a crucial role in shaping young people's understanding of alcohol abuse and awareness. 'School remains the most effective touchpoint for awareness, particularly among younger respondents, while television and social media have stronger reach among older teens,' said The research shows that digital media, especially influencer-driven platforms, are filling educational gaps but also intensifying peer pressure and negative social comparisons. recommends stronger integration of education and entertainment into the platforms young people engage with every day. 'Content that brings both education and entertainment is key: real-life stories, influencer involvement, and peer-led discussions drive higher engagement and retention. An example is SABC TV storyline integration in the popular youth drama Skeem Saam,' it said. The organisation, which promotes responsible drinking through education, training and community networks, says more than a third of South African youth have consumed alcohol. 'Our study participants reported that 12% of the online sample and 25% in the personal interviews sample drink regularly, pointing to both access and environmental pressures.' CEO Mokebe Thulo says the findings highlight the need for structured guidance. She said younger teens showed openness to learning, while older teens sought practical life skills and real-world applications. 'The findings reinforce what we've long understood through experience and earlier data, but now offer an even stronger, evidence-based foundation for informed action.' The organisation found that sports programmes are particularly effective as a form of prevention. 'More than just being a way to spend time, these initiatives create engagement and provide positive role models and structured alternatives to alcohol use. Sport and recreational initiatives resonate especially with youth who do not drink, underscoring that recreation has a preventive effect and should be encouraged.' The research also revealed that girls and boys respond differently to alcohol harm-reduction messaging. 'Girls respond more to messages around social belonging and confidence, while boys are more influenced by content about their future aspirations, social standing, rules and how the consequences of underage drinking intersect with these factors.' Despite high awareness of alcohol-related risks including its effects on health, focus and decision-making, peer pressure and exposure to drinking within families still leads to underage alcohol use. The study conducted in December 2024, surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,100 teens aged 11 to 17, combining 512 online responses with 625 in-person interviews in areas where runs programmes with five implementing partners. Parents were also involved in both arms of the study. 'Youth attitudes towards alcohol and harm reduction efforts in South Africa reflect broader trends in adolescent behaviour, social influences, and the effectiveness of prevention strategies,' said. The organisation said the key takeaway from the research is that South African youth aged 10-17 are not a homogeneous group and that the messaging cannot be generic. 'Two main age-related distinctions have emerged: the conversation to positively shape perceptions, attitudes and behaviour should start with adolescents younger than 13-14 years and develop into reactive, future-related narratives for 15-17-year-olds.' The findings were unveiled after the first of two stakeholder webinars in May. The study is part of flagship programme, #NOtoUnder18, which focuses on preventing underage drinking through school and community interventions, as well as mass and social media campaigns. 'Youth want connection, not fear,' said Thulo. 'We've learnt from them that programmes designed to prevent underage drinking show varying levels of impact. The information can improve not only approach, but also initiatives implemented by other stakeholders involved in harm reduction, even strategies aimed at adults like parents and caregivers. 'This data allows us to move from assumption to evidence. We now understand that youth don't only need information, they need connection, relevance, and messages that speak to the world they live. This is a call to reimagine how we support our youth not with fear, but with consideration, credibility and vision.' She said would continue to lead efforts in smart, relevant harm-reduction strategies in a fast-changing, digital-first world. 'We advocate for our members by listening to our youth and translating that into meaningful and effective programmes.'
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Youth learn to say ‘no' to alcohol through school programme
Youth learn to say 'no' to alcohol through school programme To mark the end of Youth Month, the in collaboration with Altus Sport, held an event for the #NoToU18 alcohol education programme at Thulani Primary School, Zola, on June 30. Speaking to the Urban News, CEO Mokebe Thulo said they were witnessing one of their crucial programme in action, which is run by their partner, Altus Sport, with whom they have worked for several years on their on-the-ground work. 'We are focused on underage drinking and promoting the message of saying 'no' to it. 'We understand that some drivers behind underage drinking include young people often left unsupervised, and factors such as peer pressure and the types of role models they have played a major role. ALSO READ: Green Village hosts youth soccer tournament to uplift Soweto communities 'One of the ways we combat underage drinking is by providing educational and recreational programmes that help them learn and gain the tools to say 'no' to alcohol and peer pressure,' she said. Thulo said the programme teaches young people the importance of taking care of themselves – their minds and bodies – and making the right choices. It also aims to provide a safe space that keeps them busy and off the streets by engaging them in something productive. Altus Sport project manager Samantha Pennells-Ingle said many children today suffer from peer pressure and bullying, making their environment a sad, unsafe space. Most kids are also glued to their phones, focusing on things they should not be, rather than engaging in meaningful activities. ALSO READ: Youth empowerment: 'I am a Reward' shapes future innovators 'The importance of this programme lies in teaching young people about the dangers of substance abuse. 'We also help them learn how to handle bullying and peer pressure, and to realise that there is something greater out there than turning to alcohol. There are many ways to have fun that don't involve drinking,' she said. Thulani Primary School principal Khethinkosi Ntuli told the Urban News that the programme is a good initiative because it gives learners something meaningful to do, especially during school holidays. 'The relationship we have with the and Altus Sport has brought a lot of positive change to our school and the community. 'This programme doesn't benefit only our learners but also involves several other schools that are here today, so we are grateful for this opportunity,' said Ntuli. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
27-05-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
Third of SA teens have consumed alcohol, study finds
CAPE TOWN - A new groundbreaking study has revealed that a third of South African teens have consumed alcohol in their lifetime. The Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education conducted online and in-person research with over one thousand young people in the country. The research revealed that 12% of online and 25% of in-person respondents reported regular drinking. CEO, Mokebe Thulo, said global trends show that alcohol consumption in teens is lowering, but the reality in South Africa is different. 'The reality on the ground, though, in South Africa, in our backyards, is a little different. We know that we take a little bit of a while to catch on to global trends in that way, and so we hope that we shall soon be following suit," said Thulo. Thulo said they consider the communities these teens come from when creating programmes 'So you do have to be very nuanced about your messaging, you have to understand what particular age group you are talking to, in some situations you have to differentiate between the genders and the sexes depending on the experiences of these young people," said Thulo.
