Teen Binge Drinking: What Do Professionals Say? UK

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 02 Mar 2009 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

The Drinkaware Trust (Drinkaware), the UK charity which aims to reduce alcohol harm, wants to hear what professionals who work with young people have to say on alcohol culture.

The Drinkaware 'Young People and Alcohol: What's the Attraction?' survey is specifically designed for those who work with young people and children in a professional capacity. The survey poses questions such as 'What kinds of pressures do the young people you work with face?' and 'Do you feel you have enough support in delivering alcohol education to young people?'

England's Chief Medical Officer recently advised that children aged under 15 should never be given alcohol and that 15 to 17 year olds should only consume alcohol with the guidance of a parent or carer. But what are the issues that trigger a young person to drink, and are professionals equipped to address these issues? From stress to peer pressure, celebrity to advertising, this comprehensive investigation will provide a snapshot of the UK today.

The survey features on a Drinkaware microsite (http://www.guardian.co.uk/alcoholandyoungpeople) and will be publicised in The Guardian's Family and Society print supplements. Findings will be written up in SocietyGuardian and debated in early April by a high profile panel convened to discuss what can be done to ensure the UK alcohol culture is a healthy one.

Drinkaware's CEO, Chris Sorek said: "Alcohol is part of our national culture but according to the latest government figures, 360,000 11-15 year olds get drunk every week, putting themselves at risk of harm to the liver, depression and damage to the developing brain, as well as longer term problem drinking.

"There are also strong links between drinking high levels of alcohol and youth offending, teenage pregnancy, truancy and exclusion from school."

He added: "By gleaning keys insights from youth professionals, Drinkaware aims to discover what motivates young people to start drinking, binge drink, and what parents, professionals and young people can do to address and challenge those motivations."

The survey forms part of Drinkaware's public education programme which aims to change British drinking culture by engaging consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. For further information visit Drinkaware.co.uk. To have your say on British alcohol culture, visit http://www.guardian.co.uk/alcoholandyoungpeople.

Notes

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 affect positive change. An independent charity established in 2007, Drinkaware works alongside the medical profession, the alcohol industry and government to achieve its goals.

Drinkaware

• Additional
• References
• Citations