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Drinkaware responds to Alcohol Concern and The Children's Society report about children affected by parental alcohol misuse

26 Oct 2010

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In response to the Alcohol Concern and The Children’s Society report, ‘Swept under the carpet’, which shows that 2.6 million children in the UK are living with parents who are drinking hazardously, Chris Sorek, chief executive of alcohol awareness charity, Drinkaware, says:

 

“Some people may be shocked that so many children in the UK are affected by their parents’ alcohol misuse.  But this report reminds parents that you don’t have to be an alcoholic for your drinking to have a direct impact on your children.

 

“Regularly drinking to excess in front of children can normalise alcohol misuse and have an impact on young people’s attitudes to drinking in later life.  Breaking the pattern of overconsumption is important to ensure young people grow up with a healthy attitude to alcohol.  Young people learn about alcohol from their parents, which is why it is a good idea for parents to be positive role models and try to stick within the daily unit guidelines.* 

 

“It can be difficult to know how and when to talk to young people about alcohol but starting a discussion about drinking before they hit their teen years is key.  Drinkaware research shows children have their first drink, on average, aged 13 and a half.**  We need to support parents with resources and advice to help them educate their children about the risks of binge drinking. 

 

“For more information on alcohol and parenting go to www.drinkaware.co.uk.”

 

Ends

 

To interview a spokesperson, please contact:

Laura Ellis

Communications Officer

Email: lellis@drinkaware.co.uk 

Tel:     020 7766 9914

Mob:   07917 135 436

 

Notes to Editors:

  • *Drinkaware advises men to stay within the recommended guidelines of 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).
  • ** ICM Research (on behalf of Drinkaware) interviewed 553 young people aged 16-17 years. Interviews were conducted in-street, using self-completion questionnaires, between 21 February and 13 March 2009. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
  • Drinkaware 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 alongside the medical profession, the alcohol industry and government to achieve its goals.  For further information visit www.drinkaware.co.uk 
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