Children, Young People and Alcohol: Public Consultation

2 Reasons why young people drink It is socially acceptable & they believe that “everyone” drinks The most common motivation is to facilitate socialising with peers To have fun, to relax, and to feel more outgoing Having “ever tried alcohol” rises with age, so that by age 15, a significant majority (82%) will have tried alcohol

3 The pattern of young people’s drinking differs with age At 11 - majority do not drink –those who do, tend to drink at home with parents At 13 - just over half have tried a drink, while nearly 1/3 drink once a month or more –equal proportions of 13 year olds drink with parents and friends At 15 - most have tried alcohol, while 1/3 drink once a week or more –majority usually drink with their friends –most common drinking location is still at home or someone else’s home –but drinking in unsupervised outdoor locations, which is closely linked with harms, peaks in this age group – half drink at least once a week –the most popular drinking location is in pubs

4 Immediate consequences 1/3 of girls & 1/4 of boys say they are more likely to regret having sex with someone when they have been drinking 18 children a day were admitted to hospital for alcohol related illness between Young drinkers are more likely to suffer accidents, get involved in crime and behave anti-socially 40% of young people who drank had experienced alcohol- fuelled violence either as victims or perpetrators

5 Longer term consequences Younger age of initiation is associated with: –greater number of years of ill health –poorer academic performance –stronger likelihood of progression into problematic use Deaths due to liver cirrhosis have been rising in the age range and this is thought to be a consequence of patterns of increased drinking starting at earlier ages

6 What parents have told us… Do think there is a problem with young people drinking but don’t think it’s a problem concerning their children Do believe that it’s their role to bring up their children and not Government’s Do think that kids drink too much nowadays They do think learning how to drink sensibly (“knowing your limits”) is an important part of growing up Do think that they have an influence on their kids but that they are not responsible for their kids drinking. Think drinking is a ‘rite of passage’ for kids Do not think alcohol is dangerous. If it were why would government facilitate its sale? Do not trust government to give honest information about alcohol Do think there is not enough information about the effects of alcohol on young people. Do think that drinking in public places is a growing problem

7 Youth Alcohol Action Plan aims to achieve: Reduce the level of alcohol consumption by those young people who do drink (NI 115) A consensus around how young people are introduced to drinking, including age, parental supervision etc. Continue to reduce the numbers of young people who drink Reduce [the perception of] alcohol related anti-social behaviour by young people Set out an approach which distinguishes sharply between what is acceptable and what is not

8 Through 4 main packages of proposals: 1. Supporting young people to make sensible decisions 2. Establishing a new partnership with parents 3. Taking action with industry 4. Tackling Young People Drinking in Public Places

9 1.Children and their parents and carers are advised that an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option. However, if children drink alcohol, it should not be until at least the age of 15 years. 2.If young people aged 15 to 17 years consume alcohol, it should always be with the guidance of a parent or carer or in a supervised environment. 3.Parents and young people should be aware that drinking, even at age 15 or older, can be hazardous to health and that not drinking is the healthiest option for young people. If 15 to 17 year olds do consume alcohol they should do so infrequently and certainly on no more than one day a week. Young people aged 15 to 17 years should never exceed recommended adult daily limits and on days when they drink, consumption should usually be below such levels. 4.The importance of parental influences on children’s alcohol use should be communicated to parents, carers and professionals. Parents and carers require advice on how to respond to alcohol use and misuse by children. 5.Support services must be available for children and young people who have alcohol related problems and their parents. The CMO guidance

10 Next Steps Consultation runs until 23 April 2009 Consultation summary published within 12 weeks Local Authority visits, TCRU Research, Mandatory Code Launch social marketing campaign Late 2009

How You Can Get Involved Packs available to support stakeholders gather the views of young people We also want to hear from stakeholders directly