Children’s behaviour is largely influence by family – and that includes decisions made around alcohol.
The Australian Alcohol Guidelines advise that children and people under 18 years of age should not drink alcohol. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption for anyone under the age of 18.
That’s why it is so important that parents, grandparents and other carers do not provide alcohol to children and young people – and set time aside to speak with them about how to minimise the harms from alcohol.
It is important to note that young people increasingly do not want to drink alcohol. More than twice the number of 14-17 year-old Australians abstained from alcohol in 2019 (73%) compared to 2001 (32%).
Children and young people under 18 are at higher risk of harm from alcohol than adults because their brains and bodies are still developing, and won’t finish developing until they reach their mid-twenties.
When young people drink alcohol, it can affect their mental health and is more likely to result in dangerous behaviour, accidents, and injuries. It has also been shown that early alcohol use is linked to a higher likelihood of problems with alcohol later in life.
This is why parents must stick to the Australian Alcohol Guidelines, and not provide alcohol to children and young people under 18.
There is information and support available to help facilitate these honest conversations around alcohol. Check out the following resources:
Want to dive into this information further, and learn how young people now think about alcohol differently? You can learn more at Supporting Family Conversations.
Just after her 30th birthday, Paige was faced with what would become a turning point for her family – speaking with her partner about his alcohol consumption.
An acquaintance reached out to speak with Paige about her partner’s drinking, and after reading through advice online she was able to have the conversation with her partner, set new boundaries, and help him seek support.
Watch Paige’s story about how her family tackled alcohol.
More information
To find a local GP, you can call 1800 022 222 or visit healthdirect.gov.au. To find a local psychologist, visit psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist. If you need other support to reduce your drinking, you can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Will you join the community taking action on alcohol?
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©2023 FARE
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FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2021 FARE
Privacy Statement
T&C
