Resource to combat YOUNG AUSTRALIANS DRINKING

With many young Aussies in end of year celebration mode, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation have released a new online resource called Alcohol and Young People.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation hopes this latest resource helps shine a spotlight on the harms associated with adolescent drinking; encourages the community to come together to prevent and minimise these harms.

Alcohol is the most common drug used by young Australians, nearly half of 12-17-year-olds have consumed alcohol in the past 12 months.

Traditionally, many Australians have been relaxed about young people drinking alcohol, but research now indicates this is a particularly risky time to consume alcohol because the brain is still developing.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation CEO Dr Erin Lalor said research suggests parts of the brain developing during adolescents are sensitive to even small amounts of alcohol.

“Binge drinking during adolescence may result in damage to the brain which can impair memory, concentration and
learning capacity,” she said.

Alcohol also contributes to all the leading causes of death for young Australians, including suicide, car crashes, accidental poisoning and assault; additionally, youth drinking is connected to earlier and more harmful patterns of alcohol consumption.

“Although fewer adolescents are choosing to drink alcohol and are delaying drinking until later in life, alcohol still causes significant harm to many young  Australians,” Dr Lalor said.

“As a society, we should be working harder to delay younger people’s consumption of alcohol.”

Policymakers, schools and the wider community can take positive steps to help protect younger people from harms associated with alcohol.

Parents play significant role in shaping their child’s beliefs and attitudes around alcohol through their own alcohol-related behaviors.

“Parents remain the most likely group to provide alcohol to their children, which suggests many adults are not aware of the negative impacts alcohol has on young people, including the damage it can cause to the developing brain,” she said.

“Parental disapproval of their children drinking alcohol can reduce the likelihood of adolescent drinking.”

Amongst the online advice, Alcohol and Young People suggests parents: Know the facts about alcohol in adolescence; explain why you don’t want your kids drinking under the age of 18; talk to your kids about boundaries, expectations, and consequences.

For a full copy of Alcohol and Young People go to adf.org.au.