Drinkaware has launched a new campaign to reduce harm related to alcohol consumption as new research shows the age people are having their first drink at in Ireland is getting lower.
Officials say ‘timing is critical’ and are engaging with the public - particularly parents and guardians - to prevent alcohol harm and misuse among younger generations.
As a result of growing concern around the issues of alcohol use among teens, Drinkaware today launcheed a new resource for parents.
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The ‘Talking Matters’ booklet includes topics such as:
How and when parents should talk to their children about alcohol
The risks of underage alcohol use
The importance of building resilience in young people
How to respond to certain questions
The law and alcohol in Ireland
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Timing is critical, because as reported by Drinkaware in 2022, the age of first drink is getting younger.
“The charity has also raised concerns that the legacy of Covid-19 is not yet clear but its negative impact on young people’s well-being and their resilience and coping skills is well documented”.
According to their latest research, on average, people aged 34 and younger first tried alcohol more than 2 years earlier than those aged 50+. It also found:
- The average age of first drink across the adult population is 15.8 years
- For those aged 50+ the average age for their first drink was 17 years
- For those aged 34 and under, the average age for first drink, drops to 14.8 years
The launch coincides with a notable rise in demand from parents for information on how to delay the age of their child’s first drink.
The parent hub on the charity’s website had around 20,000 visits in 2022, which marked an increase of 34% compared to 2021.
In 2023 Drinkaware will also run webinars and in-person workshops across the country, providing a safe and supportive space for parents and guardians to help the young people in their lives remain alcohol-free.
To further inform these, Drinkaware has partnered with MyKidsTime, one of the most trusted online sources for parents and kids.
The spokesperson went on to say: “Alcohol has no place in childhood and Drinkaware passionately believes that parents need to be supported with information, advice and tips for how to communicate and role model positive behaviours towards alcohol.
“Parents want to do their best and engage with their child about alcohol use, however the reality is that a significant number of 15–24-year-olds who drink have an alcohol use disorder, and young people who drink before or at 15 years old are four times more likely to develop alcohol-related problems later in life.
“Supporting and providing practical advice and information to parents/guardians is crucial to tackling underage drinking in Ireland”.
Another spokesperson, Martha Sweeney, Education Manager for Drinkaware commented: “Parents/guardians are the single most important influence in their child’s life and their primary educator.
“Often parents/guardians can underestimate the influence they can have in delaying their child's first drink. Being able to teach and model healthy behaviours around alcohol is important and this involves having a healthy loving relationship that is honest and non-judgmental, and engaging in informed conversations.
“Drinkaware is supporting parents to be able to challenge certain assumptions such as ‘All young people drink’ or ‘Drinking is part of growing up.’
“Parents/guardians can protect young people from future alcohol harm. Assisting the young person to reduce the risks of harmful drinking now and later in life and giving their child a chance to develop resilience, cope with hurt and disappointment and celebrate achievements without the need for alcohol”.
Drinkaware invites all parents/guardians to order the newly released ‘Talking Matters’ booklet on Drinkaware.ie and to email martha@drinkaware.ie for more information regarding workshops and webinars to support parents in having this conversation with the young person in their life.
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