There are many good reasons to encourage your teenager not to drink alcohol before turning 18. Early drinking is related to increased alcohol consumption in adolescence and young adulthood. These drinking patterns are also related to the possibility of damage to the developing brain and development of alcohol-related harms in adulthood.
Parents can't keep an eye on their teenagers all of the time, yet can encourage responsible use of alcohol.
Drinking Guidelines:
- Children under 15 years of age are at the greatest risk of harm from drinking.
- Not drinking in this age group - under 15 years - is especially important.
- For young people aged 15 to 17 years, the safest option is to delay drinking for as long as possible.
The health risks that accumulate over a lifetime from alcohol increase progressively - this means that the more young people drink, the greater the risk.
The risk of accidents, injuries, violence and self-harm are high among drinkers aged under 18. Young people who drink are more prone to risky and antisocial behaviour than older drinkers.
For more information about the new Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol go to www.alcohol.gov.au