The Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson has issued a five point guidance document for young people and their parents on alocohol consumption. This guidance will form part of a consultation on alcohol and young people launched by the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Young People.
The Chief Medical Officer’s Guidance on the Consumption of Alcohol by Children and Young People advises:
- an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option – if children drink alcohol, it shouldn’t be before they reach 15 years old
- for those aged 15 – 17 years old all alcohol consumption should always be with the guidance of a parent or carer or in a supervised environment
- parents and young people should be aware that drinking, even at age 15 or older, can be hazardous to health and not drinking is the healthiest option for young people. If children aged 15 – 17 consume alcohol they should do so infrequently and certainly on no more than one day a week
- the importance of parental influences on children’s alcohol use should be communicated to parents, carers and professionals. Parents and carers need advice on how to respond to alcohol use and misuse by children
- support services must be available for children and young people who have alcohol related problems and their parents.
The consulation runs until 23 April 2009
