Festive Fun & Party Pitfalls

Christmas and New Year might mean more going out and partying, although this doesn't suit lots of people and that's ok too. Your mind and body may have lower tolerance for crowds and Christmas, whether this is how sensitive and safe you feel in your surroundings or your group or how your body reacts to lots of noise or drinking alcohol for example.

Thinking about drinking alcohol?

• Make sure you know about alcohol and the law – it's illegal for someone under 18 to buy, attempt to buy or be sold alcohol.

But if you do try alcohol…

• Start slow and go slow. Learn your limits and stick to them.
• Alternate alcohol with soft drinks or water

Plan ahead

• Talk over a 'get away' with someone you trust so that if things get too crazy, you can call it a night and head home, perhaps with your bestie in tow.

Magnums

• At the moment, more young people are drinking these small bottles of strong alcohol but take extra care as you could go over your limits without realising! (There is also a common myth that Magnums contain 'Viagra' like properties to aid stimulation during sex… always remember to use a condom!)

About Nicotine

Cigarettes and vaping equipment both contain nicotine, which is an addictive stimulant. It's important to know that, in the UK, selling cigarettes or vaping equipment to someone under 18 is illegal and it is also illegal to buy them for someone else who is under 18.

• Check in with yourself – how do you feel? Would you do this if you were alone? How will you feel tomorrow? What can you do to make this experience feel better?
• Good friends make you feel good – great mates respect your choices, whether this is saying that you've had enough or that you feel uncomfortable in a situation.
• Check in with your friends – do they look happy and present? Do they look tense and panicky? Or are they drowsy?

Deciding to have sex?

Whether you are starting to date or having sex for the first time this Christmas, with a new partner or in a steady relationship, safer sex is best.

If you don't want to become pregnant, you need to use a method of contraception. Most methods of contraception will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so whatever method you chose, you'll also need to think about protection.

You can find out more about contraception here.

Practicing safe sex means using a condom for all types of sex, to keep you and your partner safe from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and from risk of pregnancy from penis/vagina sex.

You can access free condoms and STI testing here.

It is also very important that any sex you have is consensual. Sex with consent means that you both agree to do something sexual and feel happy and comfortable with it, with neither of you feeling pressured to do something you don't want to do.

Remember, even if you and your partner first consent, you always have the right to change your mind and say 'No' or 'Stop' at any time. 'No' means 'No' even if you are in a relationship, or you are drunk or high, or the sexual activity has already begun.

Being drunk or high might mean that you/your partner are unaware of what is going on and therefore are unable to give consent.

You can read more about sex, consent and the law on the Brook website here.

• Check in – the next day with yourself and your friends – you might feel low afterwards, especially if you've been drinking alcohol or smoked cannabis, or you are lacking sleep. Rest, eat, drink plenty of water and sleep.
• If you or your friends are feeling low, or are struggling to cope, contact one of the free national young people's helplines like Childline or text 'SHOUT' to 85258.