Young people drink just for 'something to do', Drinkaware survey reveals.
08 Jul 2009
One in four (25%) young people drink alcohol just for ‘something to do’ according to new research launched by alcohol charity Drinkaware*. Drinking alcohol ranks highest in preferred activities over playing sports, reading and going to the gym or pool and more than two thirds (71%) of 16-17 year olds drink once a week or more. The same survey also revealed that three fifths (59%) of professionals working with under-18s don’t have the support and information they need to provide education about alcohol.
Although often seen by young people as a normal part of socialising, underage drinking is a growing problem. As an independent charity that aims to combat the growing problem of underage drinking, Drinkaware has developed a comprehensive guide to help professionals provide young people with the facts about alcohol. The Drinkaware research* also shows that:
· On average young people have their first alcoholic drink aged 13.4 years; are 14.2 years old when they first get drunk; and over and three fifths (60%) say they started drinking because it was part of ‘being young and socialising’.
· Young people are less concerned about getting drunk (15%), than they are about having unsafe sex (45%), taking recreational drugs (44%) and not getting qualifications(21%).
· 43% of professionals working with young people think that under-18s have too much freedom over what they do in their social lives. Only 12% agree that young people’s social lives are too tightly controlled by adults
Chris Sorek, Chief Executive of Drinkaware, says:
“Many young people unintentionally put themselves at risk when they drink alcohol and it is crucial that young people are given the facts about drinking and its effects. Under-18s need to know what drinking does to their body and appearance – as well as how to avoid peer pressure and stay safe.
“Providing professionals with everything they need to help under-18s is an important part of ensuring young people are clued up when it comes to drinking. The Drinkaware pack, which contains a factsheet and a workshop plan among other tools, will help youth workers and teachers to get under-18s thinking about alcohol in a different way.”
Available from www.drinkaware.co.uk/tips-and-tools from Tuesday 7 July, the pack contains:
· A factsheet and workshop plan which covers the journey of alcohol through the body and demonstrates its effect on health and appearance, something research shows is of concern to most young people.
· A copy of additional Drinkaware research about how to communicate alcohol messages effectively to 8-17 year olds.
· An overview of Drinkaware’s youth campaign plans for 2009.
Following on from a youth roundtable in June held in partnership with the Guardian, Drinkaware’s extensive work with young people and alcohol continues with an ‘Ultimate Day’ challenge launched in July. The competition, aimed at 16 and 17 year olds, will ask young people to give an account of their ultimate day without alcohol. Entries will be voted for by peers and the winning submissions will win their perfect day.
For more information about Drinkaware’s work with alcohol and young people, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk.
For further information, including interviews with spokespeople, please contact:
Becky Medhurst
Communications Officer
Drinkaware
tel: 020 7307 7453
mob: 078 2797 1740
email: bmedhurst@drinkaware.co.uk
Notes to editors:
*Drinkaware conducted research into issues affecting alcohol and young people. ICM interviewed children aged 16-17 and youth professionals were surveyed via the Guardian Professional website.
- ICM interviewed 553 16-17 year olds via an 8 minute self completed survey conducted on the street throughout the UK between 21 February 2009 and 13 March 2009.
- The Guardian Professional website and Drinkaware microsite encouraged those working with young people to fill out an 8 minute survey conducted via email. 337 professionals (14% teacher, 15% youth worker, 15% health professional, 16% social care, 40% other) from across the UK completed the survey from 6 March 2009 to 13 March 2009.
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.
Please note the documents will not be available on the Drinkaware website until Tuesday 7 July. If you would like to see them sooner, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.
- Page last updated by
- Root User, 19 Apr 2010.
