The UK Chief Medical Officer (CMO) advises that an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option. It is not, however, illegal for young people to drink alcohol at home under the supervision of their parents, or at a restaurant with a family meal. The CMO advises that if a young person is drinking alcohol under the age of 18 that it is:
- In a supervised environment
- Not more frequently than once a week
- Not under the age of 15 years
- Never in excess of the low-risk drinking guidelines
** Foster parents do not, however, have the authority to give alcohol to young people without the permission of the Local Authority (and parent if they share parental responsibility).
The risks of alcohol to young people’s health:
Drinking alcohol in excess of the low-risk drinking guidelines raises the risk of damage to the liver and other organs of the body. Alcohol consumption raises the risk of cancer, heart disease and alcohol-related liver disease. The rate of alcohol-related liver disease in young adults is increasing.
Young people are also at risk of:
- Alcohol poisoning from binge drinking
- Accidental injury or death
- Harm from other risk-taking behaviour as alcohol reduces inhibitions. Young people who are drinking alcohol are more likely to have unprotected and unplanned sex and take illegal drugs. Some illegal drugs (e.g. cocaine) are especially harmful when mixed with alcohol.
Alcohol also poses a risk to the unborn child and young women who are drinking alcohol need to be aware of potential pregnancy and keep alcohol consumption within the low-risk drinking guidelines.
Low-risk drinking guidelines:
- No more than 14 units of alcohol per week
- Several alcohol-free days each week
- Don’t binge-drink (i.e. several units on one day)
See Drinkaware for comprehensive information about alcohol and advice about talking to young people about alcohol.
