Childline South Africa is my focus today! Indeed, in my colleague Sharon yesterday’s article about alcohol and children, I came across alarming statistics about the prevalence of underage drinking in South Africa. For instance, research highlights that approximately 12% of teenagers aged 15 to 19 engage in binge drinking, while even younger children are being exposed to alcohol in their homes and social settings. These numbers are compounded by South Africa’s concerning status as having some of the highest rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) globally. This led me to wonder what tangible support is available for affected children and families.
