Teenage drinking - help resources for parents

Teenagers are often given bad press and images of hooded teens charged on alcopops are a common sight in the media. This is definitely not representational of today's youth but there's no question that there are issues around teenage drinking. Some recent research by Drinkaware highlights some reavealing statistics:

• 63% of 16-17 year olds who drink alcohol admit they do so most frequently in their own home
• Almost half of young people (47%*) drink alcohol at least once a week with 60% seeing this as a normal part of socialising and being young
  

The fact that drinking takes place at home means that parents have a greater role in these issues then some might imagine. In response to their findings Drinkaware have launched a new section on their website specifically aimed at parents.

www.drinkaware.co.uk/parents offers tips for how parents can broach the issue of alcohol with young people, when it’s a good time to talk to your kids and safety measures that can be put in place if your child is drinking. Details about legislation and government advice can also be found on the site as well as a directory of other useful resources.