The Alcohol Tipping Point
Research by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has identified the tipping point when a parent’s influence over their child is overtaken by the child’s friends.
Statistics show that peer pressure considerably increases as a key influence when children reach 12 years old - and it is at 13 years when the shift moves from their parents to their friends[1].
Over three quarters of young people (76%) aged between 12 and 13 years ‘think about alcohol a lot’ yet a third of parents (33%) of 11-12 year olds and almost a quarter (23%) of parents of 12-13 year olds have still not had a conversation about alcohol, potentially leaving their children vulnerable to making the wrong decisions as a result of drinking, sometimes with serious consequences.
Parents are being urged to speak to their children earlier about the risks surrounding alcohol - before they are no longer the key influence in their lives.
Findings from a study into the usage and attitudes of alcohol amongst parents and young people[2] - undertaken to develop the DCSF’s ‘Why Let Drink Decide?’ campaign - show:
· Parents and young people agree that the main reason why young people drink regularly is ‘peer pressure’. Over one in every two (54%) young people cite peer pressure as the reason, two in three (66%) parents agree
· When asked about their own drinking behaviour, the most commonly mentioned reason for drinking by young people was ‘it tastes nice’ (41%)
Children’s Minister Dawn Primarolo said: "Alcohol can have a devastating impact on children and young people. We know those who drink regularly are more prone to falling behind at school, getting involved in violence and crime and are more likely to have unwanted pregnancies.
"Often children and young people fail to realise the wider consequences of drinking and it is vital they are made aware of these risks before they start drinking.
"This research shows that parents have a big impact on their child’s attitude towards alcohol, especially younger children. Before peer pressure and influence take over it is important that parents and carers start open and honest conversations with their children about alcohol and the risks associated with drinking.
"We want all young people to build a safe and sensible relationship with alcohol and to ultimately delay the age at which they start drinking. It is only with the support of families that this can be achieved."
For more information on the campaign, search online for ‘Why Let Drink Decide
Tagged in Parenting