Adults Feel Powerless to Stop Underage Drinking

Most adults recognise that underage drinking is a problem in Ireland but feel powerless to do anything about it, according to the results of a new survey by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The survey questioned 900 adults about their views on underage drinking. Preliminary survey results show that 91% of adults agree that underage drinking is a problem but 50% believe there is nothing they can do to stop young people from drinking alcohol.

Worryingly, just 15% of adults believed their own drinking habits influenced the drinking habits of young people around them and only 40% would drink less if they thought it would discourage underage drinking.

The survey results were released at the launch of a new HSE alcohol awareness campaign aimed at delaying the age at which young people start to drink.

The HSE Alcohol Awareness Campaign aims to increase awareness in adults about the extent of underage drinking, the ease of access which young people have to alcohol and the benefits in delaying the age at which young people start to drink.

“There is a perception that teenage drinking is an inevitable rite of passage despite the fact that there is a wealth of evidence pointing to the damage that it can do.  We hope this campaign will encourage adults to support young people in delaying the age at which they start to drink alcohol,” said Catherine Murphy, Assistant National Director for Population Health, HSE.

Dr Joe Barry, Population Health Directorate, HSE, said underage drinking is a risk factor for alcohol abuse and dependence later in life. He said that young people’s drinking behaviour is very often modelled on what they see adults doing.

A number of HSE alcohol awareness booklets are available to help parents discuss the issue of alcohol with their teenagers and assist adults in reflecting on their own alcohol use. ‘Straight Talk – a guide for parents on teenage drinking’ and ‘Less is More’ can be accessed at www.hse.ie or through the HSE Infoline 1850 24 1850.

Posted 26th May 2008