Continental approach beats binge drinking
Teenagers who drink alcohol with their parents are less likely to binge drink, according to a survey of 10,000 children.
The findings say a continental style of introducing teenagers to small amounts of alcohol early prevents them from binge-drinking later with their friends.
The study also found that parents should cut teenagers' pocket money in a bid to cut their drinking.
I don't think prosecuting parents is the way forward. It's possibly the worst thing you can do to a child at that stageMark Bellis, Liverpool John Moores University.
Mark Bellis, the lead researcher and director of the public health centre at Liverpool John Moores University, said: "We are too used to handing £10 or £20 to young people without any realisation of where it is being spent. Add to that birthday money and money from part-time jobs - young people have money to spend. Parents need to know more about what their children are spending it on."
The survey was carried out in more than 130 schools in the north-west of England by trading standards officers. More than 10,000 questionnaires were returned by pupils aged 15 and 16.
The findings contrast sharply with a recent call from Alcohol Concern to prosecute parents who give their under-15s alcohol. Professor Bellis said: "I don't think prosecuting parents is the way forward. It's possibly the worst thing you can do to a child at that stage."
A spokesman for Alcohol Concern told the Guardian newspaper: "The drinks industry has a major role to play in cutting down alcohol purchasing by underaged drinkers."
