Drinkaware responds to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on alcohol education for young people
17 Jun 2010
Reacting to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on alcohol education for young people, Chris Sorek, Chief Executive of Drinkaware, says:
“Drinkaware welcomes recommendations calling for alcohol education for school children aged 5 and over. It is crucial that young people are given the facts about drinking and its effects, which why education is at the core of Drinkaware’s work.
“Our research shows that young people have their first alcoholic drink at 13.4 years.* Parents are key channels to help raise the age of first drink by providing advice, but many say they need help. Our parents section of the website gives tips on how to start the conversation about alcohol, peer pressure and staying safe.
“Ultimately, what is needed in order to reduce alcohol misuse in the UK is a cultural shift away from the acceptability of drinking to excess. Whilst it is challenging, though not impossible, to encourage this change in adults, introducing the topic and providing the facts about alcohol at an early age, both in schools and at home, will cultivate a new generation who have the confidence to make educated choices when they are old enough to drink.
“Drinkaware provides professionals working with under-18s with all the facts they need to pass on to the young people they work with at www.drinkaware.co.uk/talking-to-under-18s/professionals/resources.”
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Notes to Editor
*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.
• 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).
• 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
- Page last updated by
- Laura Ellis, 17 Jun 2010.
