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The EC report states that "One of the most disturbing trends is
that regular alcohol consumption begins at a younger age than
it used to, and that drinking to inebriation has become increasingly
common among young people in Europe". According to the report,
50 percent of Welsh 15-year-old boys regularly drank beer, compared
to 43 percent of 15-year-old boys in Denmark. Greece and England
followed with drinking rates of 42 percent 40 percent, respectively.
In Great Britain, the report found that 15-year-old girls drank
more spirits and wine than boys in other EU countries. The survey
further found that overall volume and frequency of alcohol consumption
increased in Britain. Increases also were found in four other
EU countries.
The results counter a survey by the Department of Health in the
UK of children between the ages of 11 and 15 over the last decade.
The main purpose of its inception in 1982 was to monitor cigarette
smoking, but since 1988 the survey has included questions on alcohol.The
results found that 27% of 11-15 year olds had had an alcoholic
drink in the last week, but in 1998 this percentage fell significantly
to 21%, with an average consumption of 1.6 units of 8g per week.
Seven out of ten of the youngest drinkers said they were usually
with their parents when they had an alcoholic drink. Half of those
who drink (28% of children) said they were able to buy alcohol
themselves, which is against the law for under eighteen year olds.
A small minority (4% of boys and 2% of girls) had drunk 15 or
more units in the last week, illustrating the need for targeted
programmes to help vulnerable and at risk children. The proportion
of children able to buy alcohol whilst underage further stregthens
the case for a mandatory proof of age scheme or identity card.
For further information, see Goddard E Higgins V Smoking, Drinking
and Drug Use among young teenagers in 1998. Volume 1 England 1999,
Sationary Office, London. Eileen Goddard is l ocated in the Social
Survey Division, Office for Nationl Statistics. |
