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19/10/2005
Report shows 'worrying' drinking tend in children
A new report analysing the drinking behaviour of young people between the ages of 11 and 16 in Northern Ireland has revealed worrying trends, the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) has said.
'Drinking behaviour among young people in Northern Ireland - secondary analysis of alcohol data from 1997 to 2003', showed that young people here start drinking as young as 11 and that many young people are drinking to dangerous levels.
Other key findings found that:
“Responsibility for reducing underage drinking lies with parents, schools, the Government, the drinks industry and our communities and requires a ‘joined-up’ approach."
The results from the report, produced by the HPA in association with the Irish Temperance League (ITL), were revealed at a seminar in Belfast on Wednesday.
(MB/SP)
'Drinking behaviour among young people in Northern Ireland - secondary analysis of alcohol data from 1997 to 2003', showed that young people here start drinking as young as 11 and that many young people are drinking to dangerous levels.
Other key findings found that:
- Traditionally boys were more likely than girls to experiment with alcohol and to get drunk but gender differences are now disappearing – 59% of boys had tried a drink compared with 58% of girls in 2003.
- Some 24% of young people in the 2003 survey were classed as regular drinkers (drinking at least once a month) indicating drinking had become part of their lifestyle.
- The majority of young people in the 2000 survey got their first alcoholic drink from friends (45%) or parents (20%), indicating both peer and parental influence on young people’s initial experiences of drinking.
“Responsibility for reducing underage drinking lies with parents, schools, the Government, the drinks industry and our communities and requires a ‘joined-up’ approach."
The results from the report, produced by the HPA in association with the Irish Temperance League (ITL), were revealed at a seminar in Belfast on Wednesday.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
