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Children can develop their ideas about alcohol from an early age. Parents and carers can play a big part in encouraging a healthy attitude to drinking.

Research suggests that children may have fewer problems with alcohol later on if those around them set healthy examples, and have accurate knowledge of the effects of alcohol.

The three guiding principles are:

• Children under 15 shouldn’t drink alcohol at all – alcohol can harm the developing brain and body
 

• Drinking at age 15 and older can still be hazardous to health. Binge drinking and heavy drinking in general put young people at risk of injuries, fights, and regretted sexual activity
 

• 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.

Read the Chief Medical Officer’s guidance You, Your Child and Alcohol.

The Welsh Assembly Government has also issued practical advice for parents on how to talk to their children about alcohol.

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, visited the Wales National Eisteddfod to speak to parents and children about the harms of alcohol, and also discuss the benefits of families talking about alcohol with their children from an early age. To view this video, click here.