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Are Parents To Blame For Alcohol Misuse Among Young People?

17 Mar 2010

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Drinkaware and the Guardian hold question time event for parents

Around 40 parents of 10 to 17 year olds gathered together to discuss young people and their use of alcohol at a ‘question time’ event hosted by alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware and the Guardian.  Held at the newspaper’s offices in London on Thursday 4th March, the event entitled Young people & alcohol misuse: Are parents to blame? gave parents an opportunity to debate their role in helping to reduce alcohol related harm among young people.

 

The audience of parents and representatives from parenting organisations put questions to a panel of experts including: Children’s Minister Dawn Primarolo; former Olympic athlete and gold medal winner Linford Christie; Gill Steward, Cornwall Council Director for Communities; and Avis Johns from Drinkaware. The event was chaired by David Brindle, Public Services Editor for the Guardian and discussion topics included whether parents should introduce their children to alcohol at a young age, minimum pricing and who should be responsible for tackling underage drinking were some of the issues discussed.

 

Chris Sorek, Chief Executive of Drinkaware, says: “This event is a perfect follow-up to our partnership with the Guardian in 2009 which examined issues surrounding young people and alcohol with professionals and young people themselves.  Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s attitudes towards alcohol, so it is essential that we give them an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns.

 

“It can be really difficult for parents to know how to broach the topic of alcohol with their children, but with the right support and advice, it can hopefully seem less daunting.  By listening to parents, Drinkaware hopes it can better understand their needs and support them in their role which can in turn help to prevent alcohol related harm among young people.”

 

Former Olympic athlete and gold medallist, Linford Christie, says: “As a parent of three children aged 6-12, I am very aware of how important it is to talk to young people about alcohol.  Children pick up lots of things from their parents so we have a key role in making sure our kids know that misusing alcohol can cause all sorts of problems. 

 

“Lots of young people drink because they’re bored or think they have nothing else to do. Getting involved in sport and other leisure activities* can really help young people have something to focus on and keep them healthy at the same time.”

 

Parents are invited to share their views about alcohol and young people by taking part in an online survey at www.guardian.co.uk/alcoholandyoungpeople.

 

Tips and advice for parents about talking to their children about alcohol can be found at www.drinkaware.co.uk/talking-to-under-18s.

 

The question time event is due to be reported in the Family section of the Guardian on 20th March.

 

Ends

 

For further information please contact:

Siobhan McCann

Communications Manager at Drinkaware

07827 971744 smccann@drinkaware.co.uk

 
HIGH RES PHOTOGRAPHS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

 
Notes to Editors

* Linford Christie and Darren Campbell created and run The Street Athletics programme, a nationwide programme which looks to engage disengaged young people U20 through sprinting, music and dance. www.streetathletics.co.uk

·  Drinkaware advises men to stay within the recommended guidelines of no more than 3-4 units of alcohol per day (equivalent of a pint and a half of lager) and women to stay within 2-3 units per day (equivalent of a 175ml glass of wine).

·  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 affect 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.

 

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