Young people and alcohol

The topic of young people drinking, and its related problems, continues to foster concern and controversy. This review highlights some of the main psychological, social and behavioural evidence related to the formation of children's attitudes to alcohol, the acquisition of drinking habits by young people and factors associated with patterns of alcohol consumption and its consequences. Some of the implications of this evidence are highlighted, and recommendations are suggested to curb levels of heavy/inappropriate drinking among youth. Many children are hostile to alcohol consumption by adults. The onset of adolescence generally reverses such negative attitudes and drinking is widely viewed by teenagers and young adults in a positive light as a symbol of being adult and sociable. Many young people drink to intoxication as part of the process of learning how to drink. Recent studies show that rates of heavy drinking, intoxication and negative consequences among teenagers vary considerably in different countries. Teenagers in north west Europe (including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland and the UK) report the highest rates, while those in the Mediterranean area report much lower ones. It is concluded that a sensible approach by parents should involve teaching their children to drink in moderation at home and that parents should set boundaries to control and protect their children from harm associated with periodic heavy drinking. School-based alcohol education has generally produced disappointing results and it is suggested that harm minimisation policies should be devised that are relevant to young people.