Media release from ALAC
For immediate release
09 August 2002
New report shows youth drinking still cause for concern
New research shows that the number of young people drinking to such an extent that they could harm themselves or others
remains worryingly high, although no worse than a year ago, according to the latest Alcohol Advisory Council Youth
Drinking Monitor.
Despite the research showing a small downward trend in the numbers of young people reporting that their parents are
supplying them with alcohol to take to unsupervised functions, young people are still finding it is remarkably easy to
get hold of alcohol and a third of 14-17 year olds are drinking heavily.
Alcohol Advisory Council CEO, Dr Mike MacAvoy says the research shows an established and serious trend. He says while
the research shows numbers haven’t increased over the last few years, “not a lot has changed – it’s no worse, certainly
not much better, but hopefully the drop in numbers of parents supplying their kids shows there’s more concern out there
among parents and the community.”
Dr MacAvoy says ALAC believes there are steps that can be taken to help address youth drinking. Adult behaviour, price
of liquor and enforcement of the Sale of Liquor Act are three areas he identifies.
“Adults need to take a hard look at their own behaviour around supply and role modelling. Parents in particular, are
often suppliers of both alcohol itself and money to buy it. They are also role models for their kids’ drinking
behaviour.
“It’s not easy for parents. They can be under a considerable amount of pressure from their children and want them to fit
in with their friends, or to ‘learn’ to drink, but parents have a duty of care they must somehow put in the equation.”
Dr MacAvoy says another big issue is the strong influence of price on young people’s drinking habits. “We know young
people are highly price sensitive. There are some cheap drinks out there with high alcohol content. Reflecting alcohol
content in taxes on liquor could help steer young people towards drinks with less alcohol.”
He also believes there needs to be better enforcement of the Sale of Liquor Act. “Retailers in particular need to check
young people’s identification. Some 16 percent of 14-17 year olds are purchasing alcohol themselves – that’s a lot of
licensees breaking the law."
Dr MacAvoy says ALAC is particularly concerned about the trend for young people to drink heavily, or “binge” drink, with
one third of those surveyed saying they drank five or more glasses of alcohol last time they drank. The report shows
that a high proportion of 14 – 17 year olds are drinking regularly. Most of this age group (82%) claimed they were
current drinkers with 29% claiming they drank at least once every week.
The proportion of ‘heavier drinkers’ has not increased significantly (33% in 2002, 31% in 2001, and 35% in 2000).
However, nor has the proportion of ‘lighter drinkers’ or ‘non-drinkers’ increased significantly (47% ‘lighter drinkers’
and 20% ‘non-drinkers’ in 2002, compared to 44% and 25% respectively in 2001, and 49% and 16% respectively in 2000).
Figures in the survey also include a reported 45% percent of young people aged 14-17 saying their parents/caregivers
were a source of their alcohol as compared with 50% in 2001 and 57% in 2000.
The research was undertaken by BRC Marketing and Social research.
Ends