Many adults feel unable to stop teens drinking - survey

The research released by the Health Service Executive (HSE) indicates that adults underestimate their role in influencing young people.

Some 55 per cent of adults think there is nothing they can do to stop young people drinking, while only 20 per cent agree that their drinking habits influence the young.

Twenty per cent agree that they would drink less if they thought it might discourage young people from drinking.

The research, conducted by Millward Brown IMS late last year, was based on a face-to-face survey of 933 adults. It forms part of a HSE campaign to discourage underage drinking by persuading parents to deal with teenage alcohol use.

The figures also indicates that the vast majority of adults are aware that drinking before 18 is a problem.

A total of 92 per cent agree that it is a problem in Ireland, while 71 per cent agree that it poses a health risk. Some 63 per cent disagree that it is okay for people to drink before age 18, although about 20 per cent think it is okay.

Dr Joe Barry, a public health specialist with the HSE, said it was important that adults realise that everyone has a role in reducing the number of young people drinking alcohol. “While young people on the one hand may seem very independent, their attitudes and behaviours are very often modelled on adult behaviour,” he said.

“Adults and parents can help address the issue of underage drinking by looking at their own drinking and by listening and talking to young people about alcohol.”

Research conducted recently revealed that Irish teenagers aged between 15 and 17 are the fifth highest drinkers out of 35 countries surveyed in Europe.

There are also significant risks for young people who start drinking before age 15.

A recent report by the Health Research Board found that these teens are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependency than those who wait till 21, seven times more likely to be in a car crash and 11 times more likely to suffer unintentional injuries

Heavy use of alcohol during teenage years can impair brain development and cause memory loss, according to health experts.

On a more positive note, the HSE’s research shows that many adults are prepared to engage with young people about drinking.

About 65 per cent say they have discussed the issue, while 63 per cent said they would be prepared to if that person was in danger.

Source: Carl O'Brien, The Irish Times, 21/04/2009