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ALCOHOL AND YOU
Many adults believe that there is an epidemic of alcohol abuse by the young and that it is getting worse.
A lot of young people do drink alcohol. This can be in controlled supervised environments such as home or family functions.
However, some drink too much too often and do themselves no good. Their health, their schoolwork and their general well being all suffer.
1000 children under the age of 15 are admitted to hospital each year with acute alcohol poisoning
Children are aware of alcohol at an early age. They can recognise different types of drink. Most children have their first alcoholic drink between the ages of 10 and 13. By the age of 13 to 16 young people may be passing cans or bottles round a group somewhere away from adults like a park or at parties. The group may drink quickly because of fear of being found out. It doesn’t take much alcohol for youngsters of this age to get drunk.
The confiscation of Alcohol Act 1997 gives police the power to confiscate any intoxicating liquor which is in the possession of any person under 18 years in a public place.
If a young person stopped does not give their name and address or hand over the alcohol they can be arrested.
The recommended weekly intake for an adult is 21 units for men and 14 for females. For young people it is likely to be considerably less. If you consume more than that you may be seriously risking your health.
Alcohol is an addictive substance if consumed regularly.
On a social note alcohol will affect their judgement and increases the risk to their personal safety. People under the influence of alcohol do things they would not normally do. Being drunk is no defence to committing any criminal offence. People will be arrested and prosecuted.
It is about parents encouraging young people to be sensible about drinking – not a word that young people use themselves much. So you may need to find other words to explain the advantages of treating alcohol with respect.
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