Nearly half of parents supplying secondary students with alcohol

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) is concerned about new data revealing a concerning number of parents allowing their children to drink alcohol.

The “Secondary school students’ use of alcohol and other substances (2022-2023)” report, prepared by Cancer Council Victoria for the federal Department of Health and Aged Care, found nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of Australian high school students in 2022-2023 reported having ever consumed alcohol, including a few sips.

Overall, 44 per cent had consumed an alcoholic drink in the past year, 22 per cent had drank in the past month, and about one in 10 (11 per cent) said they had consumed alcohol in the past week.

Of the 11 per cent who drank in the past week (classified as “current drinkers”):

Almost half (47 per cent) obtained their last alcoholic drink from a parent

Around one-third (35 per cent) reported they had the intention to get drunk either most times or every time they consumed alcohol

Over half (54 per cent) had experienced at least one negative outcome in the past year after drinking alcohol, such as vomiting, doing something they regretted, or trying smoking or drugs, and

The most common type of alcohol usually consumed were spirits or pre-mixed spirits.

The report found 81 per cent of students who had ever consumed an alcoholic drink had engaged in risky drinking in their lifetime, and nearly one-third (30 per cent) engaging in risky drinking in the past two weeks.

Almost one-third (31 per cent) of high school students who had ever had an alcoholic drink said they had parental permission for someone else to give them an alcoholic drink (secondary supply of alcohol).

ADF knowledge manager Robert Taylor said the rates of parents allowing their children to drink alcohol was concerning, given that young people are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm.

“Parents are always learning and growing, especially when it comes to new information about keeping their kids healthy and safe.

“Research now shows us that exposing teenagers to alcohol, even in small amounts, can be harmful to cells inside the developing brain. The effects can be anything from finding schoolwork harder to trouble processing emotions or performing at their chosen sport.

“We also know that the earlier a young person starts drinking, and the more frequently they drink, the more likely they are to experience alcohol-related harms such as accidents or injuries or develop an alcohol dependence later in life.”

Mr Taylor emphasised the important role parents can play in setting their kids up for

a healthy future.

“Thankfully, there are proven ways that parents can help keep their children healthy and safe. This includes having regular, open conversations with them about the effects of alcohol, and not supplying them with it.

“Delaying drinking alcohol for as long as possible can help to reduce the risk of harms now and into their adult life.

“Parents can also role model positive behaviours by showing their children that they can have fun and relax without alcohol. When kids know they can socialise without alcohol, they can grow up to make healthier choices about drinking.”