Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol In June 2008 the Government began its consultation on the Youth Alcohol Action Plan. This action plan sets out what the Government will do to address drinking by young people in three main ways: Tackling unsupervised drinking by young people under 18 in public places through working with the police and courts. By providing guidance for parents regarding how the consumption of alcohol particularly at a young age can affect children and young people. Strengthening industry standards that govern the marketing and promoting of alcohol in a more responsible way.

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol Through the Youth Alcohol Action Plan: The Government believes there is a need for much clearer information about the effects of alcohol on children to inform parents’ decisions about when and how much young people may drink. The Youth Alcohol Action Plan is clear the drinking by young people in the home is for parents and families to decide. The view of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is endorsed in that there should be clearer information for young people and parents about the risks of drinking alcohol. Identified a Priority Action to: Develop guidelines on young people and alcohol.

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol Parents and carers say they want clearer, better information about potential effects of alcohol consumption on young people so they can make more informed choices Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, asked to develop first ever medical guidance on this issue Worked with alcohol experts, parents and young people Considered: –Health implications of children and young people drinking alcohol –How much it is sensible for them to drink without damaging their health and development

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol CMO Guidance Point 1 “An alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option. However, if children drink alcohol, it should not be until at least the age of 15 years”

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol CMO Guidance Point 2 “If young people aged 15 to 17 years consume alcohol it should always be with the guidance of a parent or carer or in a supervised environment”

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol CMO Guidance Point 3 “Parents and young people should be aware that drinking, even at age 15 or older, can be hazardous to health and that not drinking is the healthiest option for young people. If 15 to 17 year olds do consume alcohol they should do so infrequently and certainly on no more than one day a week. Young people aged 15 to 17 years should never exceed recommended daily limits and on days when they drink, consumption should usually be below such levels”

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol CMO Guidance Point 4 “The importance of parental influences on children’s alcohol use should be communicated to parents, carers and professionals. Parents and carers require advice on how to respond to alcohol use and misuse by their children”

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol CMO Guidance Point 5 “Support services must be available for children and young people who have alcohol related problems and their parents”

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol – Stakeholder Engagement Support Pack What are we asking you to do? “tell us what parents, young people and others think about young people and alcohol and how best to give them information and advice”

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol – Stakeholder Engagement Support Pack What do we want you to find out? “Who is the best person or organisation to talk to young people about alcohol? What should they say? Should they use facts and figures? Should they talk about medical effects or give advice and recommendations? Where should they talk to young people and parents? At home? At school? On the street? When is the best time to provide information or have a discussion? During school time? In after-school clubs? At what age? How should we get the information out there? In leaflets or adverts? On the web? Through groups or clubs? Using what sort of language?”

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol – Stakeholder Engagement Support Pack What do you do with it? “up to you. There’s no one way to use the pack. It’s meant to provide practical resources and some ideas to help you get a discussion going in your group”

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol – Stakeholder Engagement Support Pack Includes: half hour session taking you step by step through running a short discussion; Fact and advice sheets; Real life scenarios.

Consultation on Children, Young People and Alcohol Complete feedback form and return by: 23 rd April 2009

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