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Drinkaware reaction to crackdown on binge drinking

03 Nov 2009

Reacting to the results of the DCSF summer crackdown tackling binge drinking among young people, Chris Sorek, Chief Executive Officer at Drinkaware, says:

“Binge drinking among young people needs to be tackled and it’s up to all of us to make sure it happens. Although not all young people drink, those that do are drinking earlier, more regularly and more often, putting themselves at risk.

“Tackling alcohol misuse among young people will need to involve a range of different approaches and education plays a key role. Giving young people and their parents information about the effects of alcohol will help them to avoid short and long term health conditions such as liver damage, some cancers and depression.

“Young people, parents, health professionals, youth workers, charities and the Government all need to work together to try to protect youngsters from the negative effects of alcohol misuse.”

Ends

For further information please contact the Becky Medhurst, Communications Officer on 020 7307 7453 or 078 2797 1740.

Notes to Editors

• Consistent with advice from the Chief Medical Officer, Drinkaware advises young people aged 15 and under to delay drinking alcohol for as long as possible. Young people aged 16 and over are also advised to delay drinking. Those that drink are advised to stay safe, ensuring they eat before, drink water and soft drinks in between alcoholic drinks, look after their friends and plan how to get home. Young people are also advised not to exceed the recommended guidelines for adults: 3-4 units of alcohol per day for men (a pint and a half of lager) and 2-3 units per day (a 175ml glass of wine) for women.
• Parents and professionals working with children and young people can visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for advice about when and how to talk to young people about alcohol and facts about drinking behaviour among under 18s.
• Drinkaware (www.drinkaware.co.uk) provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. Our public education programmes, grants, expert information, and resources help create awareness and effect positive change. An independent charity established in 2007, Drinkaware works with the medical profession, the alcohol industry, government and independent members to achieve its goals.

Page last updated by: Kate Prior, 10 Aug 2011.