A new Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) report exploring the effects of drinking amongst non-dependent parents has been released in partnership with the Alcohol and Families Alliance and Alcohol Focus Scotland.
Download “Like sugar for adults: The effect of non-dependent parental drinking on children & families” [pdf]
The report suggests a range of negative impacts from parental drinking can start at even moderate levels, though harms increased in line with consumption. The IAS states the research shows 'parents do not have to regularly drink large amounts of alcohol for their children to notice changes in their behaviour and experience negative impacts'. Seeing a parent tipsy or drunk was associated with children feeling worried as well as experiencing negative impacts such as unpredictable parental behaviour. The Guardian reported the findings stating 'even light drinking can upset children'.
The report may be seen by public health roles as important in highlighting the impact of alcohol beyond heavier or dependent drinkers. Earlier this year Government led action to address the harms to "children of alcoholics" (CoAs) was promised following efforts by a number of MP's to raise the profile of the issue and the launch of a manifesto which included calls for further investment in treatment services and a national strategy for CoAs.
At a launch of the new report, Rt Hon Caroline Flint, MP for Don Valley said:
"While relatively small numbers of children reported the most worrying impacts, this study clearly shows that children know a lot about their parents drinking, and that the more parents drink the higher the likelihood of their child facing a problem. It seems likely that many parents do not realise this.
We too quickly dismiss parental drinking as harmless fun and relaxation, but this report shows that parents do not need to be regularly drinking large amount for their children to see a change in their behaviour and experience problems. I’d like to see a more open conversation about this, among parents and professionals."
The findings were drawn from a nationally representative online survey of almost 1,000 parents and their children, focus groups and a public inquiry involving experts and practitioners. It also reviews the evidence over wider determinants and risks to children from parental behaviour and attitudes. Much previous debate has been had over what has been behind declines in drinking amongst younger people, with improvements in parenting and price previously highlighted as significant.
The new report says evidence points to authoritative parenting (high warmth and clear behavioural expectations) as protective against underage alcohol use, whilst factors like peer influence, the media, alcohol marketing and wider factors including price can also play a role in influencing children’s attitudes and expectations. It notes that the vast majority of parents are conscious that their drinking sets an example for their children and many deliberately model moderation. However research suggests parents discussing their own negative experiences of alcohol may normalise excessive drinking behaviours for their children.
Recommendations for practitioners and policy makers include:
- That the Government produce up to date information and advice for parents about parental drinking.
- That service providers incorporate the issue of parental drinking within existing parenting programmes.
- That universal services, particularly those which work with children, promote greater awareness of the negative impact that alcohol can have on children and families.
- That schools reaffirm their key role in educating children about alcohol, and better include parents in this.
Guidance for parents includes:
- Parents can, and often do, act as good role models for their children regarding alcohol. What many parents may not realise is that children understand a great deal about the amount parents drink and that being tipsy or drunk in front of their children, and telling stories that glamorise alcohol, can easily undermine other good examples.
- That parents follow the English Chief Medical Officers’ recommendation that an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option. This also states that if a child does drink it is not before age 15, and that between the ages of 15 and 18 drinking is supervised by an adult.
- That parents are aware that their children seeing them either tipsy, drunk or hungover can have negative impacts.
- That parents consider the amount they drink around their children, as well as the way in which they talk about alcohol, and avoid glamorising alcohol within the family.
- That where possible parents develop clear and consistent rules around alcohol with their child, and have open discussions around why these rules are in place.
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