New research from Drinkaware shows that children turn to parents first for alcohol

New research: Children seek advice on alcohol from parents at a young age

Children claim parents are their most likely source of alcohol, according to new research published today by alcohol education charity Drinkaware.

The research, which polled both parents (from social grades ABC1) and children aged between 10-17 year olds showed that 72% of children said their parents are the first people they would approach with questions about alcohol. Half (50%) of those who have had a drink reported it was their parents who supplied them with the alcohol the last time they drank.

The data showed that many parents allow their children to drink from an early age. It said that in those families where the child had drunk alcohol, the average age at which parents first allowed their child to have a drink was 13.8 years old. Of the 10-17 year olds polled who had drunk an alcoholic drink, the majority (55%) had been with their parents the last time they drank alcohol.

The new research also highlighted that while 83% of parents agreed it is important to talk to their kids about alcohol, a third (32%) admitted that there are many things they do not know about the effects of alcohol on children.

Additional findings show that 43% of parents worry that their child’s friends have a greater influence on their child’s drinking behaviour than they do, and over two-thirds (67%) of 10-17 year olds said they have never felt encouraged to drink alcohol.

The publication of these findings coincides with the launch of Drinkaware’s new ‘Mumtank’ - a team of mums with expertise ranging from health and child psychology, to education and parenting. The Mumtank will provide parents with practical advice on how to tackle issues around children and alcohol.

Members include Mumsnet co-founder Carrie Longton, TV’s Dr Sarah Jarvis and Superintendent Julie Whitmarsh from Devon & Cornwall Police, who is also joint chair of Newquay Safe and Member of the ACPO Group on reducing alcohol related harm.

Chris Sorek, chief executive of Drinkaware, said: “These findings will help to reassure parents that their children are more likely to go to them for advice about alcohol than their peers.

“So it’s really important that they have the right advice, information and support to talk to their kids. Evidence shows that the earlier children start drinking, the more likely they are to drink more and more frequently as they grow up.

“Parents are key to tackling the UK’s drinking culture in the long term, and we want to help them ensure their kids don’t grow up to be the next generation of binge drinkers.

“Drinkaware’s Mumtank aims to bring the debate about children and alcohol to life and spark lively discussion by increasing awareness of the issues, providing expert advice and questioning pre-conceived ideas about children and alcohol.”

Carrie Longton, co-founder of Mumsnet, said: “Talking to children about alcohol can be a complex and tricky issue, and we know from Mumsnetters that there is concern about when and how to best tackle the subject."