« General practitioners may have difficulty spotting depression in patients, review suggests | Main | Older diabetes patients taking antipsychotics face increased risk for hyperglycemia hospitalization, research suggests »
July 31, 2009
Psychiatrist says latest Harry Potter movie offers opportunity for parents to discuss alcohol use with children
On the front of its Science Times section, the New York Times (7/28, D1, Parker-Pope) reports that "parents may be surprised by the starring role given to alcohol" in the latest Harry Potter movie.
"In scene after scene, the young wizards and their adult professors are seen sipping, gulping, and pouring various forms of alcohol to calm their nerves, fortify their courage or comfort their sorrows."
Several recent "studies suggest that movies influence teenagers' behavior when it comes to drinking," and "an Institute of Medicine committee on under-age drinking has said there is 'a strong possibility' that youth exposure to alcohol through movies contributes to early initiation of alcohol use."
While "alcohol experts say this does not mean that children shouldn't see the new Harry Potter movie," the movie itself may present "an opportunity for parents to talk to their children about alcohol," according to psychiatrist Christopher Welsh.
Related Links:
- "Harry Potter and the Pint of Liquid Courage," Tara Parker-Pope, New York Times, July 27, 2009.
Posted by admin at July 31, 2009 09:06 PM