A link has been found between a parents drinking habits and the effect on children
Drinkaware has revealed a link between parents' drinking and their childrens' relationships with alcohol.
Children of ABC1 parents who drink above the Government’s unit guidelines are more likely than Children of parents who are low risk drinkers to have ever been drunk (19% vs 11%) and to drink at least monthly 21% vs 12%), according to the new research from Drinkaware.
The unique research by Ipsos MORI for the alcohol education charity surveyed 1,433 ABC1 parents and their children (652). It highlights that 30% of ABC1 parents in the UK are drinking above the unit guidelines and that there are links between the amount parents drink, their attitudes to children and alcohol, and their kids’ drinking behaviour.
To coincide with the research, Drinkaware has published advice for parents encouraging them to talk to their children about alcohol during the Christmas party season and to be aware that their own festive drinking could have an influence on their kids. The advice available at drinkaware.co.uk/parents is compiled by Drinkaware’s Mumtank, a group of expert mums, including Mumsnet co-founder Carrie Longton, TV’s Dr Sarah Jarvis and parenting expert Sue Atkins.
Parents who drink above the unit guidelines appear to have a more relaxed attitude to underage drinking than parents who are tee-total or drink within the guidelines.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP, says:
“Many parents are unsure about how to talk to their kids about alcohol for fear of sounding hypocritical. But whatever your relationship is with alcohol, it’s essential that as parents you understand that an alcohol free childhood is best for your children. Drinking to excess as an adult can lead to a whole array of health harms, from liver disease to cancer, but it can do more damage to a child’s developing brain and body.”
The research found that parents who drink about the recommended daily guidelines are more likely to think it's acceptable for their kids to drink under 16.
Siobhan McCann, Head of Campaigns and Communications at Drinkaware says:
”Most parents want their children to grow up with a healthy relationship with alcohol and try to set a good example. The problem is that some parents drink above the guidelines without realising and this in turn influences their children’s attitudes and behaviour.
”When it comes to alcohol, parents have the biggest influence on their children and lots of children would turn to their parents first for advice. Family gatherings during the festive season are a great opportunity to talk to your children about why people drink and the consequences of drinking to excess in an open and honest way. Parents who aren’t sure what to say can get advice from experts on Drinkaware’s Mumtank at drinkaware.co.uk/parents.”
Reassuringly the majority of 10-17 year olds surveyed show a sensible attitude to drink; more than three quarters of 10-17 year olds think that seeing young people their age getting drunk isn’t cool. And the overwhelming majority of 93% think it is not ok for someone their age to get drunk once a week and just 11% think that it’s ok to try getting drunk to see what it’s like.
Carrie Longton, Co-Founder of Mumsnet, says:
“It’s so important that parents are aware of the facts and feel confident talking to their kids about alcohol. With Christmas just round the corner, it’s likely that children will be more aware of alcohol and might become curious about trying a drink. If you can it’s worth speaking to the parents of your child’s friendship group about the issue and if possible agreeing as a group how to tackle the party season, so young people are getting a consistent message from all sides.”
For information and advice on talking to your child about alcohol, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk/parents