Oh Lila encourages young children to explore their emotions and provides an opportunity for children who may be experiencing problems to seek help.

Oh Lila is one of a suite of progressive age appropriate resources developed by Alcohol Focus Scotland which aims to help children build resilience and protective factors.

Although the Oh Lila resource does not talk about alcohol or any other substance, our Rory resource, which is used in Primary schools, does introduce the topic of alcohol and sensitively explores the harm which can be caused by another person’s drinking. A.D.A.M. is a website developed in consultation with young people and provides a safe and secure way to explore if and how you life may be being affected by someone else’s drinking.

Approximately 51,000 children in Scotland live with a parent or adult with an alcohol problem

Lots of children in Scotland grow up in loving, nurturing environments but for some unfortunately this is not the case. Alcohol is now much more affordable and available than it used to be. Studies also show that more people are drinking at home than ever before. Both these factors increase the likelihood that children will be exposed to adults drinking and may be more likely to experience the negative impacts that this can have.

Children who are affected by an adult’s drinking can experience a range of harms. They may feel alone, confused, scared, ashamed or guilty about what is happening and often suffer in silence. Some children will experience neglect, violence and chaotic home lives as a result of harmful parental drinking. The harm caused to children by an adult’s drinking can be hidden which often means that children affected can go unnoticed and not receive the help and support they need.

For children who live in families with no alcohol issues using resources like Oh Lila, Rory and A.D.A.M. can help develop their valuable life skills, including resilience and protective factors, which they can benefit from for the rest of their lives. It can also enhance their empathy for children who may have a difficult home life.