You, Your Child & Alcohol
Over the past decade, public concern about the impact of alcohol on health and our society has steadily mounted. Particular concern has focussed on the level and pattern of drinking among children and young people in Wales and its consequences on health, crime, violence and anti-social behaviour.
The Chief Medical Officer for Wales published guidance on alcohol for children and young people in June 2010. All the available evidence was used to make policy recommendations and to develop the following three guiding principles which will help protect our children and young people from the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The three guiding principles are:
- Children under 15 shouldn't drink alcohol. There is clear evidence that alcohol can harm the developing brain, bones and hormones.
- Drinking at age 15 and older can be hazardous to health. Binge drinking and heavy alcohol use puts young people in peril - from injuries, fights, regretted sexual activity, and other substance misuse.
- If parents use alcohol responsibly, it's more likely their children will too. Parents and carers can protect children from misusing alcohol by maintaining a close relationship with their children, setting clear rules about alcohol, and supervising their children's drinking.
