Children supplied alcohol by others 6 times more likely to binge drink

Children who are supplied with alcohol by people other than parents are more likely to drink and to consume larger amounts. This has been shown in a study, the results of which have been released by the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF).

“We know that when young people binge drink, they are more at risk of harms such as sexual assault, injury or even death. It can also set children up for a lifetime of heavy drinking,” said John Rogerson, CEO, Australian Drug Foundation.

Mr Rogerson reminded parents that most states and territories still allow any person to provide alcohol to children without parental consent or knowledge. The Australian Drug Foundation says an effective measure to protect children is a law that puts parents in control of their children’s drinking. Mr Rogerson pointed to best practice laws in place in Queensland and Tasmania that penalise the reckless and irresponsible supply of alcohol to people under 18 years without parental consent.

“We believe children in Victoria, South Australia, the ACT, Western Australia and the Northern Territory are at greater risk of alcohol-related harms without this legislation,” stated Mr Rogerson. “Medical researchers advise that alcohol can cause irreparable damage to the developing brain and children should be encouraged to delay drinking. We need stricter laws to protect our children from the harms associated with drinking alcohol, particularly as adolescence is such a critical time for brain development.”

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council have reported that adolescents are at an increased risk to alcoholrelated harms due to their smaller physiques, preferences or drinking spirits and lower alcohol tolerance.

“Many people don’t realise that a teenager’s body just can’t handle alcohol the way that a fully developed adult can, which leaves them vulnerable to more harm,” said Mr Rogerson.

Deakin University’s School of Psychology is due to release a paper on these findings in the coming months. Researchers from the University surveyed 3668 students from 231 schools across Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia, aged 10-14 years, as part of the Healthy Neighbourhoods Project. The study investigated the factors that influence underage drinking and sources of alcohol supply.

Key findings include:

• Children who get alcohol from people other than parents are up-to six times more likely to binge drink.

• Children living in ‘more disorganized’ communities (e.g. higher levels of graffiti, crime, drug selling) are o More likely to be given alcohol by people other than their parents o More likely to binge drink.

• Adolescents reporting the presence of family conflict are more likely to obtain alcohol from a person other than a parent

• The more friends a child has who drink alcohol, the more likely that child is to obtain alcohol from people other than a parent.

In response to the findings of the new study, The Australian Drug Foundation is calling on concerned parents, politicians or members of the community to visit www.adf.org.au and register their support for a law prohibiting the provision of alcohol to children without the knowledge and consent of their parents.

As part of the campaign the ADF is circulating a letter to concerned parents seeking their support.

Download copy of letter (pdf 798kb)