Parents should teach children how to drink

Parents should teach their children how to drink alcohol, according to a new report.

The report, by Liverpool John Moores University's Centre for Public Health, claims that sensible drinking is a life skill that must be taught. It claims that teenagers who buy their own alcohol - either themselves or through an older sibling or friend - are more likely to be regular binge drinkers.

They are also more likely to drink in public places such as bars, street corners and parks. Alcohol provided by parents, on the other hand, is more likely to be drunk in sensible amounts and under proper supervision.

The report was based on a survey of 10,000 children aged 15 and 16 in north-west England. It revealed that nine out of 10 drink alcohol, and 40% of those usually consume at least five drinks in a single session - which is classified as a binge. A quarter said they drink at least twice a week and half drink in public places.

"By the age of 15, the vast majority of young people are already using alcohol and this study suggests that those who do so with their parents are more likely to avoid the most dangerous drinking behaviours." Article here.