Can I take alcohol to a party if I’m under 18?
You could say:
No, because I don't want you drinking alcohol at your age, even if your friends drink. If you break our rules you can’t go. I know you might find it hard just to say no, so tell them you’ve got something on tomorrow and can’t drink tonight.
Can I try a sip of your drink?
You could say:
It’s not illegal for a parent or guardian to give their child alcohol at home if they are aged over five years old. However, if you don’t want to, you could say: “No, not even a sip. You may feel grown up but your body is still developing, and alcohol can harm you at your age.”
You can find out more about the law on our guidance page
Can I try alcohol on a special occasion?
You could say:
No. I don’t want you drinking alcohol. You may feel grown up, but your body is still developing and alcohol can harm you at your age. Children and their parents and carers are advised that an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option. However, if children drink alcohol underage, it shouldn’t be until at least the age of 15 years.
My friends have all tried booze, so why can’t I?
You could say:
What other kids get up to is not my business – you are. Alcohol, even a small amount, would harm you now and I love you far too much to risk that.
It looks really fun, why are you trying to stop me enjoying myself?
You could say:
Yes, it can be fun when your body is fully grown, and even then it can lead to problems. Hangovers or having to remember the stupid things you did while drunk aren’t fun. Let’s think of other things you can do to unwind or have fun. But drinking isn’t one of them – it’s bad for you and I say no.
I’m not a child, I’m at secondary school now
You could say:
You’re right, you’re not a child. You’re a teenager, an adolescent. And that means that while you’re a lot more mature than a child your body is still developing. Show me how mature you are by researching some of the drawbacks of drinking at your age and then let’s talk some more about this.
When I’m older can I have some?
You could say:
Maybe. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England advises that you shouldn’t drink at all before you’re 15. After that you might be able to have alcohol on special occasions – never more than once a week. And never more than the recommended alcohol unit guidelines.
But I think 15 is a limit, not a goal. The longer you leave it, the healthier you will be. Don’t forget it’s against the law for you to buy alcohol or for anyone to sell it to you or buy it for you until you are 18.