'Teach children sensible drinking'

Parents should teach their children how to drink alcohol, according to a new report.

The report, by Liverpool John Moores University's Centre for Public Health, claims that sensible drinking is a life skill that must be taught. It claims that teenagers who buy their own alcohol - either themselves or through an older sibling or friend - are more likely to be regular binge drinkers. They are also more likely to drink in public places such as bars, street corners and parks.

Alcohol provided by parents, on the other hand, is more likely to be drunk in sensible amounts and under proper supervision.

The report was based on a survey of 10,000 children aged 15 and 16 in north-west England. It revealed that nine out of 10 drink alcohol, and 40% of those usually consume at least five drinks in a single session - which is classified as a binge. A quarter said they drink at least twice a week and half drink in public places.

The report recommends universal adoption of age checks on alcohol purchases for anyone who looks under 21, as well as immediate and severe penalties for shopkeepers who sell booze to youngsters, but lead author Professor Mark Bellis also calls for parents to follow the Mediterranean culture of encouraging children to enjoy a glass of wine during family meals.

He said: "The ability to drink alcohol sensibly is not a gift people are born with but one that must be learnt. "By the age of 15, the vast majority of young people are already using alcohol and this study suggests that those who do so with their parents are more likely to avoid the most dangerous drinking behaviours."

Press Association
13 September 2006

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6076709,00.html


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