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Drinkaware response to more than 100 children calling Childline each week to talk about parents drinking or taking drugs

13 Aug 2010

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Responding to more than 100 children calling Childline each week to talk about their parents drinking or taking drugs, Chris Sorek, Chief Executive of Drinkaware, says:

In response to more than 100 children calling Childline each week to talk about their parents drinking or taking drugs, Chris Sorek, Chief Executive of Drinkaware, says:

 

“Lots of parents might be horrified to learn of the number of young people seeking help as a result of parental alcoholism but the news should serve as a timely reminder that you don’t have to be an alcoholic to have a direct impact on your children.

 

“Young people learn about drinking from their parents – whether that’s when mums and dads open a bottle of wine after a stressful day, drink too much when they’re celebrating or have more serious issues with alcohol. Regularly drinking to excess in front of children will only normalise alcohol misuse but it’s important this pattern within the family unit is broken to ensure young people grow up to have a healthy relationship with alcohol.  

 

“It’s a good idea for parents to be positive role models and try to stick within the daily unit guidelines*. Educating children about the risks of binge drinking and explaining that most people can enjoy alcohol in moderation will also cultivate the right attitudes and behaviour towards drink. It can be difficult to know how and when to talk to young people about alcohol but according to Drinkaware research, children say they have their first drink, on average, aged 13 and a half**, so starting a discussion about drinking before they hit their teen years is key.”

 

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

 

Ends

 

To interview a spokesperson, please contact:

Becky Medhurst

Communications Officer

Email: bmedhurst@drinkaware.co.uk 

Tel:     020 7766 9909

Mob:   078 2797 1740

 

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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