English kids drink more alcohol than any other nationality in the world!
Middle-class parents have normalised under-age boozing. England has the highest rates of alcohol consumption among school children. Read to find out more.
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Start quizShocking figures in a landmark report called Health Behavior In School-Aged Children, examined the use of cigarettes, vapes, and alcohol among kids aged 11, 13, and 15 in Europe, Central Asia and Canada.
As reported in the Financial Times by Laura Hughes and Alan Smith, global health experts have called for curbs on online marketing to protect teens from exposure to harmful products.
More than half of 13-year-olds have drunk alcohol in England
England has the highest rates of alcohol consumption among school children, according to the study looking at more than 40 countries by the World Health Organization.
A recent survey conducted in England revealed alarming trends in underage alcohol consumption, indicating that over half of 13-year-olds and a third of 11-year-olds have consumed alcohol.
This concerning data has spurred child health advocates to call for stronger measures to safeguard teenagers. Additionally, across the UK, girls aged 13 and 15 were found to be more prone to drinking, smoking, and vaping compared to boys of the same age.
Alcohol abuse claims millions of lives a year
Dr. Hans Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe, issued a stark warning regarding the normalisation of alcohol consumption among young people worldwide, highlighting its profound impact as a serious public health threat.
Globally, alcohol abuse claims approximately 3 million lives annually, with excessive consumption ranking among the leading causes of death and physical as well as mental disability in young individuals.
Recognising the vulnerability of adolescents, whose brains and bodies are still developing, Dr. Kluge stressed the urgent need for stricter regulations, particularly targeting social media advertising of these harmful products. He emphasized the imperative to shield adolescents from the detrimental effects of such toxic substances, which are often glamorized and normalized in popular culture, including through avenues like video games.
Parents shoulder most of the blame
It appears that parents, particularly those who are wealthier, set a bad example by consuming too much alcohol themselves, encouraging a culture of excessive alcohol consumption. They also normalise under-age alcohol consumption. It’s a perfect storm.
Huge increase in alcohol-related deaths in the UK in 2022
A comprehensive study analysed data from 2021-22 concerning cigarette smoking, vaping, and alcohol intake among approximately 280,000 school-age children across 44 countries in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada.
This report follows recent official data indicating a staggering 41% increase in UK deaths attributed to alcohol-specific causes in 2022, surpassing pre-Covid levels.
What does the government say about youngsters drinking alcohol
In response to these alarming trends, the government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting public health by implementing stringent measures. They emphasised the importance of age restrictions on the sale of tobacco, vaping products, and alcohol, aiming to create a smoke-free generation.
Plans for legislative action, including limiting flavours, packaging, and displays of vapes to deter appeal among children, appear to underscore the government’s proactive approach to mitigating these concerning behaviours among young people.
John Dicey, Global CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway, comments,
“Sadly, this report will surprise no one whose children are at or recently left school. A close friend was shocked to discover that more than half the girls in his 12-year-old daughter’s class drink hard spirits every weekend. She goes to a very nice school in a very nice area”.
Exposure to alcohol during a youngster’s critical phase of brain development can result in enduring emotional challenges and impairments in cognitive functions such as learning, planning, and memory. These ramifications may significantly hinder a young person’s capacity to achieve their utmost potential, impacting their performance and ability in education, working life, and social skills and damaging their mental health.
Further reading
- Read about the same story on BBC News
- If you are interested in quitting alcohol, check out our quit drinking programs along with our top tips to quit drinking guide
