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Drinkaware responds to research showing young people who dislike school and feel they can't talk to their parents drink more

10 Nov 2010

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Commenting on research published in the journal Substance Abuse, Treatment, Prevention and Policy that shows young teenagers who do not like school and feel they cannot talk to their parents are more likely to drink underage Chris Sorek, chief executive of alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware says:

 ‘Underage drinking in the UK is a worrying problem that needs to be tackled.  It’s sad to think that the young people who are more likely to drink are those who are already unhappy at school and feel they cannot talk to their parents.  Sadly, turning to alcohol will exacerbate these young people's problems, putting them at increased risk of accidents, crime or health harms.

‘It’s really important for under-18s to have a trusted source to turn to for advice about drinking. If children aren’t engaged at school or aren’t talking to parents, they will probably not get the information they so desperately need to keep themselves safe, particularly if they are drinking at a young age.

‘Talking to young people about alcohol can be daunting for parents, but it needn’t be. Using prompts such as alcohol-related storylines in soaps or newspaper articles can make it easier to broach the issue.  Most importantly, parents can be a positive role model through their own responsible drinking behaviour.’

For more tips and advice, parents can visit 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 135436

Notes to Editors:


- 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.


- The Government’s Chief Medical Officer advises an alcohol-free childhood is best.  If young people drink alcohol, it should not be until at least the age of 15 years and should be:
- with the guidance of a parent/carer or in a supervised environment
- no more than once a week
- within the daily guidelines for adults.

 

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