Why do the words poo, boobs and underage drinking all have similar effect on young people?
Communicating effectively with young people is considered a special skill, even a gift. They can be the harshest critics and their responses unpredictable.
It was therefore a brave set of comedians who took to the stage in Auckland at the weekend at the Stand Up for Kids show as part of the international comedy festival programme. Most began their sets with a reference to having thought specifically about what kids would find funny – given they usually entertain adults.
And funny it was, to all of the audience no matter what their age with simple, old-fashioned humour that entertained without patronising. One of the comedians began by reading out a list of words he had told himself to avoid, given their age. You guessed it: bum, farts, boobs and the like were amongst them, and of course, the kids loved it.
It put into sharp relief what has been making me feel uneasy about the way we are communicating with older ‘kids’ around drinking alcohol. It is an area that I think needs a serious rethink if we are to make any useful changes to teenage drinking habits.
The way the ‘grown-ups’ are talking about how the ‘kids’ are, or rather are not, handling their alcohol intake will surely only add to the naughty factor and therefore its appeal. Where is the communication that aims to teach our kids how to develop a healthier attitude towards a product that they can enjoy in moderation?
The debate in the media and around office water coolers is probably small fry compared to the debate that is likely being stirred amongst many young wannabe drinkers themselves, none of whom are likely to be supporting an increase. Maybe we need some good comedians to get onto the job of helping build understanding amongst younger people that alcohol can be both good and bad depending on how you use it.
By the way, there are two more shows this weekend. I highly recommend it for kids of all ages.
Tags: alcohol, changing behaviours, comedy festival, Communication, Effective communication, humour, kids, teenagers, Underaged drinking, understanding, youth