Children have the right to safety, health, education and a good life. But around the world, these rights are violated every day. 

In our work, we see how alcohol often worsens the situation of children, especially in already vulnerable environments. Therefore, alcohol prevention is an important part of the work for children's rights. 

Children are affected when adults drink 

Children are affected both directly and indirectly by adults' alcohol consumption. 

In families where alcohol is a problem, the risk of insecurity, neglect and violence increases. This affects children's health, development and ability to do well in school. 

Worse conditions from the start 

The consequences of alcohol often begin early. 

Children of parents with alcohol problems are at greater risk of developing mental health problems and developing harmful drinking habits themselves later in life. Their opportunities to grow up in a stable and safe environment are limited from the start. 

Vulnerability is greater where safety nets are lacking 

In low- and middle-income countries, the consequences are often even more serious. 

In the absence of social safety nets, children living in families with alcohol problems can find themselves in very vulnerable situations. Some are forced to leave home due to violence and insecurity. Others drop out of school to work and contribute to the family's livelihood. 

How we protect children's rights 

Strengthening children's rights requires both support for children and changes in the environment. 

We work closely with children, families and local communities to increase knowledge about the consequences of alcohol and create safer conditions for growing up. At the same time, we push for changes in norms and decisions that strengthen the protection of children. 

When children grow up safely, the future changes 

When the effects of alcohol wear off, something crucial happens. 

More children can go to school, feel better and develop based on their own circumstances. 

Alcohol prevention is therefore an important part of the work to ensure that all children have their rights fulfilled. 

Partner organizations help children and their parents

Several of our partner organizations work with vulnerable children. Many of the children testify that alcohol is abused at home, that violence is common in the home and that there is no money left over for clothes or school books because large parts of the income were spent at the pub in the afternoon.

Parents' alcohol abuse often leads to children in low- and middle-income countries, where safety nets are weak, being forced to leave school because the money is not enough. The children can then choose to move out on the street, as they experience that environment as safer than at home. There, it is easy for them to end up in alcohol and drug abuse themselves. Photo: Helena Goldon

In Kenya, BCYCBO works to help the most vulnerable children. The organization offers the children security, health care and schooling. But the most important thing is the work to get the children to strengthen their self-esteem and meet safe adults so that they start to trust the adult world that has failed them again.

Together with the children, BCYCBO seeks out the parents and supports them in parenting, children's rights, the consequences of alcohol and drugs for the economy, development and the family. Many parents decide to stop drinking after they have received help from the organization to understand the consequences of alcohol. Over 500 children receive help each year.

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