WHILE the number of pupils who drink alcohol continues to fall as it has over the past decade, it appears that attitudes are also changing as they become more aware.
The latest figures from campaign group Drinkaware show that around 39% of pupils between 11 and 15 years-old had drunk alcohol at least once, which is down from 61% in 2003 and the lowest since the start of the survey in 1988.
However 72% of 15-year-olds admitted to having tried alcohol, which suggests that as pupils near the legal drinking age of 16 they are more inclined start drinking.
Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of Drinkaware, described it as ‘encouraging’ that less teenagers were drinking, but after a survey among parents showed that 54% gave their children alcohol, she sent out a warning about the possible effects that could have:
“No parent wants to think of their child out on their own being drunk and vulnerable, but effectively that is what we could be facilitating by giving alcohol as a reward.
“It is illegal for parents to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone under 18. Worse still, it normalises a culture of excessive drinking among young people.”
Also according to the survey, which was last updated in 2013, more than half of pupils thought it was okay for someone their age to try drinking alcohol with about a fifth obtaining it from their parents, and another 19% from friends.
“I think it’s alright to try it once or twice but I don’t think it should be a regular thing and I don’t think you should get really drunk,” said the only girl in a focus group of four 15-year-old pupils, who was also concerned about the safety of first time drinkers.
Another cited the impact of advertising, rather than education, as an influence on his thoughts:
“I think people are more aware, those adverts that are like think and stuff, and they’ve recently got a new one out haven’t they, and it’s a guy where he’s driving when he’s drunk and stuff.
“It makes you think if you were in that situation then that could be your life over because of a drink.”
The Law
Drinking laws in the UK state that no person under 18 years of age may buy, or attempt to buy, alcohol, nor must they ask someone to buy it for them or drink alcohol in licensed premises.
However if you are 16 or 17 and accompanied by an adult, you may drink beer, cider or wine with a meal.
Half of the focus group knew roughly what the law was in terms of being able to drink alcohol under 18, but the others were only aware of being legally allowed to buy and drink alcohol once they were over 18.
Under 18s can be stopped, fined or arrested by police if caught drinking alcohol in public.
Health Impact
None of the focus group were aware of the exact potential consequences if they were caught drinking, and none of them were particularly mindful of the damage drinking can do to health, particularly at a younger age.
“Where people get sent to hospital for being too drunk then that’s too far, but yeah I think it’s fun with your mates,” said one of the boys, and another adding:
“I’ve never put too much thought into it because I don’t drink every weekend as some people do.
“I don’t do it enough for it to hurt me in the long term, maybe in the short term but i’ll be alright; I just don’t worry about it hurting me, like my kidneys or anything.”
The Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation is that children should have an alcohol-free childhood, or if that cannot be achieved the onset should be delayed for as long as possible.
If 15-17 year olds do drink it should be no more than once a week, it should not be more than the recommended daily allowance for adults, and it should be under the supervision or a parent or carer.
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