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20/04/2009
Underage Booze In Focus
Fresh research by the Health Service Executive (HSE) has shown that adults tend to underestimate their role in influencing young Irish people in matters of alcohol.
While most adults disapprove of underage drinking - they feel there is nothing they can do to stop it - the new survey has found.
In fact, just over half of adults think there is nothing they can do to stop young people drinking, while only 20% agree that their drinking habits influenced young people.
The same number agree that they too would drink less if they thought it might discourage young people from drinking.
The research was conducted by Millward Brown IMS late last year and shows that the vast majority of adults are aware that drinking before the age of 18 is a problem.
A total of 92% agree it is a problem in Ireland, while 71% agree that it poses a health risk.
Some 63% disagree that it is acceptable for people to drink before age 18, although around 20% think it is okay.
The research also indicates that many adults are prepared to engage with young people about drinking.
Around 65% say they have already discussed this issue, while 63% said they would be prepared to if they felt that person was in danger.
Other research conducted recently found that Irish teenagers aged between 15 and 17 are the fifth highest drinkers out of 35 countries surveyed in Europe.
There are also significant risks for young people who start drinking before age 15.
Heavy use of alcohol during teenage years can impair brain development and cause memory loss, according to health experts.
(BMcC/JM)
While most adults disapprove of underage drinking - they feel there is nothing they can do to stop it - the new survey has found.
In fact, just over half of adults think there is nothing they can do to stop young people drinking, while only 20% agree that their drinking habits influenced young people.
The same number agree that they too would drink less if they thought it might discourage young people from drinking.
The research was conducted by Millward Brown IMS late last year and shows that the vast majority of adults are aware that drinking before the age of 18 is a problem.
A total of 92% agree it is a problem in Ireland, while 71% agree that it poses a health risk.
Some 63% disagree that it is acceptable for people to drink before age 18, although around 20% think it is okay.
The research also indicates that many adults are prepared to engage with young people about drinking.
Around 65% say they have already discussed this issue, while 63% said they would be prepared to if they felt that person was in danger.
Other research conducted recently found that Irish teenagers aged between 15 and 17 are the fifth highest drinkers out of 35 countries surveyed in Europe.
There are also significant risks for young people who start drinking before age 15.
Heavy use of alcohol during teenage years can impair brain development and cause memory loss, according to health experts.
(BMcC/JM)
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