Latest figures from a national survey of 11-15 year old pupils suggests fewer young people are drinking, and are less accepting of drunkenness. However it also finds no clear trend in consumption levels for those that do drink. The findings come from an annual survey which in 2010 included 7,296 pupils from 246 schools.
Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Among Young People in England
Some key findings from the report includes:
- Between 2009 and 2010 the percentage of 11-15 year olds who had tried alcohol fell from 51% to 45%.
- In 2010, the mean amount consumed by pupils who had drunk in the last week was 12.9 units. Mean consumption levels have varied between 11.6 units and 14.6 units since 2007, with no clear trend
- The proportion of pupils who had never drunk alcohol rose from 39% in 2003 to 55% in 2010. Less than half (45%) of pupils aged between 11 and 15 said that they had drunk alcohol at least once in their lifetimes.
- The proportion of pupils who drank alcohol in the last week fell from a peak of 26% in 2001 to 18% in 2009.
- Pupils are more likely to be given alcohol than to buy it, most commonly by family or friends. However, about half (48%) of pupils who ever drink also said they buy alcohol, despite being below the legal age
- Of pupils that had drank in the last week, more than half (59%) drank more than four units on average.
- 68% of 11 and 12 year olds who drank alcohol usually drank with their parents, and 65% said they usually drank at home. By the age of 15, pupils were most likely to drink with friends
- Since the late 1990s, there has been an increase in the proportion who buy alcohol from other people and a fall in the proportion who buy from off-licences. The proportion of pupils who drink who buy alcohol in pubs and bars has also decreased
Chief executive of The NHS Information Centre Tim Straughan said the figures "point to an increasingly intolerant attitude among young people in today’s society when it comes to the use of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs." Chris Sorek, chief executive of Drinkaware, said the figures were "an early sign of a change in the nation’s drinking culture." But Sorek also highlighted that the chief medical officers recommend an alcohol-free childhood as best, whilst Addaction said referrals for young people needing help were rising. The NHS release said future data will establish how the findings fit into the longer term trend. See reports from the Telegraph and BBC.
A recent JRF report on drinking influences on young people found "family and friends have a strong influence on teenagers’ drinking patterns, and are stronger influences than some other factors – such as individual well-being, celebrity figures and the media."
See here for a range of further reports on young people and alcohol including the CMO guidance.
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