British parents should give their teenage children a weekly alcohol allowance at home, to help them avoid falling into Britain's notorious binge-drinking culture, a study recommended on Friday.
It said banning teenagers from drinking alcohol risked pushing them to buy cheap booze on the street and get into more trouble.
Safe Alcohol Intake
The safe permissible intake of alcohol varies legally from country to country and can be broadly classified as 8- 20 grams of ethanol per day.
Advertisement
British health authorities have long sought to promote a more "continental" European attitude to drinking, as opposed to the heavy boozing which brings chaos to many town centres on weekend nights.
The result of the British culture was reflected in the new study's findings: some 30 percent of teenagers surveyed said they have experienced violence while drunk, and 12.5 percent reported having had sexual encounters they regretted.
![Alcohol Self Screening Test]( "Alcohol Self Screening Test")
Take this anonymous self-test to evaluate your alcohol consumption and determine if your drinking pattern poses a risk for hazardous health conditions.
The research, based on interviews with 10,000 15- and 16-year-olds, found that such risks were reduced if teenagers were allowed to drink at home by their parents.
"The negative impacts of alcohol on children's health are substantial," said Mark Bellis of the Faculty of Applied Health and Social Science at Liverpool John Moores University, northwest England.
"Those parents who choose to allow children aged 15 to 16 years to drink may limit harm by restricting consumption to lower frequencies (e.g. no more than once a week) and under no circumstances permitting binge drinking."
The study found that 36 percent of those surveyed had drunk in public places such as parks and shopping centres, and 45 percent had suffered episodes of forgetfulness after drinking.
Attempting to ban teenagers from drinking alcohol risked pushing them onto the street, where large bottles of cheap cider were among the most preferred sources of alcohol, the researchers cautioned.
"Our results suggest that such a move, even if overall consumption did not increase, could exacerbate negative outcomes from alcohol consumption among teenagers," the researchers said.
Carefully introducing alcohol to children may help them "prepare themselves for life in an adult environment dominated by this drug", they said.
Source: AFP
LIN
Alcohol Self Screening Test
Take this anonymous self-test to evaluate your alcohol consumption and determine if your drinking pattern poses a risk for hazardous health conditions.
Advertisement
The research, based on interviews with 10,000 15- and 16-year-olds, found that such risks were reduced if teenagers were allowed to drink at home by their parents.
"The negative impacts of alcohol on children's health are substantial," said Mark Bellis of the Faculty of Applied Health and Social Science at Liverpool John Moores University, northwest England.
"Those parents who choose to allow children aged 15 to 16 years to drink may limit harm by restricting consumption to lower frequencies (e.g. no more than once a week) and under no circumstances permitting binge drinking."
The study found that 36 percent of those surveyed had drunk in public places such as parks and shopping centres, and 45 percent had suffered episodes of forgetfulness after drinking.
Attempting to ban teenagers from drinking alcohol risked pushing them onto the street, where large bottles of cheap cider were among the most preferred sources of alcohol, the researchers cautioned.
"Our results suggest that such a move, even if overall consumption did not increase, could exacerbate negative outcomes from alcohol consumption among teenagers," the researchers said.
Carefully introducing alcohol to children may help them "prepare themselves for life in an adult environment dominated by this drug", they said.
Source: AFP
LIN
New Prevention System may Help Reduce Binge Drinking in Teens
A prevention system designed to reduce drug use and delinquent behaviour has been found to reduce rates of binge drinking among eighth-grade students in the U.
Advertisement
 Binge Drinking, Drug Use and Smoking Rampant Among Britain’s School KidsA new survey has revealed that binge drinking; drug use and smoking are rampant among Britain's school kids. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Lifestyle and Wellness News
Prolonged sitting among office goers, pose risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancers.
Yogurt's protein and fat content demonstrated its unidentified deodorizing properties against garlic's pungent odor.
People who smoke tobacco and cannabis have an increased risk of depression and anxiety than those who use either substance alone or not at all.
Research reveals the association between cognitive impairment and physically demanding careers, emphasizing the need for preventative strategies.
Excessive and protracted sedentary mode of life can result in cardiovascular problems, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and more.
