Keeping Your Child Safe: Alcohol Alcohol

“It’s ok for my child to have to the occasional drink of alcohol. I just don’t want them using drugs” Alcohol is a drug

Areas for concern Alcohol Crime: Criminal damage and anti social behaviour caused by young people under the influence of alcohol Health: Admission to A&E, mental and physical development during childhood and adolescents. Sexual Health/Teenage Pregnancy: Young people having sex whilst under the influence of alcohol Adults: Buying alcohol for young people Parents: Unaware of the strength of some alcoholic drinks

Alcohol A total of 33% of young people reported getting drunk in the last 30 days ( The 2007 ESPAD report: alcohol and other drug use among students in 35 European countries) 87% of year olds who had tried to purchase alcohol at a pub or bar were successful as were 73% who tried to buy from a shop. (Bates et al., 2005) In England in 2009, 35 under – 18s were admitted to hospital every day for conditions directly related to alcohol (Alcohol Concern - Making Sense of Alcohol 2010) National Data

Have you had an alcoholic drink in the week before the survey? Alcohol 9% 21% 44% PrimaryYear 8Year 10

Local data Primary Schools 9% said they had at least one alcoholic drink (more than just a sip) in the last seven days. 50% of primary pupils don't drink alcohol. 3% of pupils reported that they drink alcohol without their parents knowing at least sometimes. 43% of pupils reported that their parents always knew if they drank alcohol. Alcohol

Local data Secondary Schools 21% of year 8 pupils reported they had an alcoholic drink in the last seven days before the survey. 44% of year 10 pupils reported they drank alcohol in the last 7 days. This is slightly lower with 45% reported in 2008 and 2006 and a fall from 49% reported in % of females and 17% of males from year 10 pupils had drank alcohol outside in a public place (street, park, etc) in the last 7 days. 19% of pupils drank alcohol at home and 16% drank at a friend’s or relation’s home. 9% of pupils drank alcohol outside in a public place. Alcohol

Adverse consequences of drinking alcohol for children and young people Alcohol (based on Newbury-Birch et al. 2008) Appetite changes Weight loss Sleep disturbance Vomiting and coma (most common) Liver disease Eczema Headaches Road traffic accidents Depression Performance at school/work Aggressive behaviour High risk sexual behaviour Sustain an injury, often as a result of an assault Vulnerable to being the victims of crime Subtle brain damage and long lasting cognitive deficits

Alcohol 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. Drinking alcohol, even at the age 15 or older, can be hazardous to health. If 15 to 17 year olds do consume alcohol, they should do so infrequently and certainly no more than one day a week. (Chief Medical Officer, 2009) Should I let my child drink?

Alcohol Young people aged 15 to 17 years should never exceed recommended adult daily limits. On days when they do drink, consumption should usually be below such levels and should always be with the guidance of a parent or carer or in a supervised environment. Know your limits? 2 to 3 units per day for a women 3 to 4 units per day for a man (Chief Medical Officer, 2009)

Alcohol 1.5 litre bottle of Lambrini (7.5%ABV) = units 1 pint of Stella Artois (5.2% ABV) = 2.95 units 1 large glass of white/red wine (250ml, 13%ABV) = 3.25 units 1 bottle of Budwiser (330ml,5%ABV) = 1.65 units 1 large single glass of Jack Daniels (35ml,40%ABV) = 1.4 units WKD (275ml,5% ABV) = 1.38 units 1 large single glass of Vodka (35ml,40% ABV) = 1.4 units

Alcohol In the UK, children aged years drink around 17.2 million units of alcohol every week. That is the equivalent of 6.9 million pints of beer or 1.7 million bottles of wine.

Alcohol For more information on units of alcohol visit:

Should I let my child drink? It’s up to you to decide whether your child is allowed to drink and if so how much. But….. Educate and inform Make sure your children understand the positive and negative sides associated with alcohol. Make sure you know how strong different drinks and brands are.  Lead by example How exposed are your children to alcohol- fuelled situations, environments and behaviour? Challenge stereotypes Show your children that its possible to enjoy yourself without drinking. It’s OK not to drink! Set clear boundaries Establish what is acceptable regarding alcohol consumption and/or behaviour and stick to it.  Encourage Positive Alternatives Encourage your children to pursue positive social interests e.g. organised youth activities.

Talking about alcohol Potential dangers - from health to safety Not all young people drink How they may feel or what they may do under pressure Alcohol can influence people's judgment How it might feel to regret something the next day Alcohol affects people in different ways Alcohol can make some people aggressive Keeping safe and walking away from trouble What to do in an emergency Your own attitudes to alcohol Alcohol Taken from

Alcohol Try not too panic. Ensure you have support for yourself as well as your child. Accusing, arguing or threatening won't help. Wait until you are calm and they are sober, before talking about your concerns. Encourage them to tell you what's happening. Don't expect instant results. Drinking may be covering up other problems. If you fear your child is drinking a lot:

Alcohol Emergency Situations: Recovery position Try to keep the young person sitting up or put them in the recovery position. Stay with them. If they lose consciousness (e.g. they don’t wake up, respond to their name) call 999 immediately.

Remember In Hertfordshire majority of 12 – 15 year olds do not drink. (70%) Help your young person promote a 100% Hangover Free lifestyle. Alcohol

Local and national help and support Family Lives Parental Drug Awareness Service (PDAS) A-DASH (Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Service) For information on Parenting and Family Support Programmes in Hertfordshire For more information on other local alcohol services in Hertfordshire please contact Drinkline on