NCD Watch

Protecting Young People from Alcohol-related Harm

26 Jan 2015 (Mon)

Many young people do not realise the damage drinking can have on themselves, their families and communities. Of note, adolescence is a dynamic phase of brain growth and maturation. The effects of alcohol on the adolescent brain would predispose the young drinkers to alcohol, mental health and neurocognitive problems which can persist into adulthood.

Epidemiological studies have shown that youth drinking is associated with numerous negative consequences which can be acute outcomes of a single episode of heavy drinking, or the accumulated and long-term effects of a chronic pattern of frequent drinking.

In Hong Kong, alcohol drinking is not uncommon among young people. The 2011/12 Survey of Drug Use among Students found that 56.0% of Hong Kong students in primary 4 to 6, secondary and postsecondary had ever drunk alcohol; 41.0% reported alcohol use in the past year; and 18.4% reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days. Furthermore, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveys conducted by the Department of Health (DH) showed that the prevalence of binge drinking (i.e. consuming at least 5 glasses or cans of alcoholic beverages on one occasion) among young people aged 18-24 increased from 7.4% in 2010 to 9.8% in 2012.

In fact, parents and guardians have an important role to play in shaping young people's attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol use and protecting them from alcohol-related harm. To support children and adolescents to lead a healthy alcohol-free life, parents and guardians should heed the "3 Don'ts":

• Don't let children and adolescents drink;
• Don't give children and adolescents alcohol; and
• Don't pressure children and adolescents to drink.

The following are also some recommended actions that parents and guardians can take:

• Be a positive role model by not drinking;
• Talk to children and adolescents about the dangers of drinking;
• Do not keep alcohol at home;
• Establish clear family rules and expectations about alcohol;
• Educate children and adolescents on how to manage stress properly, e.g. by exercise;
• Teach children and adolescents how to handle peer pressure and equip them with refusal techniques about how to say "NO" when offered an alcohol drink;
• Encourage children and adolescents to develop healthy friendships;
• Encourage children and adolescents to participate in healthy activities that do not involve alcohol;
• Connect with other parents and communicate clear messages about the importance of not drinking;
• Know the warning signs that indicate children and adolescents may be drinking or having drinking problems;
• Seek professional help if indicated.