Children, young people and alcohol
The Australian Alcohol Guidelines state that to reduce the risk of injury and other harms to health, children and young people under 18 years of age should not drink alcohol.
The human brain continues to develop until people reach their mid-twenties. This places children and young people at increased risk of harm from drinking alcohol, both in the short and long term.
Drinking by young people is more likely to result in dangerous behaviour, accident and injury. It has also been shown that early alcohol use is more likely to lead to problems with alcohol later in life.
Find out more at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Keeping children safe
There are many ways in which we can safeguard children and young people when it comes to alcohol, including:
- controlling access to alcohol
- providing education on alcohol and the harms it causes
- providing access to resources in the home and school environment
- role model behaviours aligned with the Australian Alcohol Guidelines.
It is important that families have the best information and resources to facilitate honest conversations around alcohol. Despite the many influences on children, parents remain the single strongest influence on their children’s choices.
This is why it is important that parents do not provide alcohol to children and young people.
It is against the law to provide alcohol in a private home to anyone under 18, unless you are the parent or guardian, or you have the permission of the parent or guardian. The provision of alcohol to the young person must be consistent with the responsible supervision of a minor.
Alcohol advertising in sports
Children see advertising in all aspects of their lives, in direct and subtle ways. This includes alcohol and junk food advertising, which can have negative consequences on the child's health and well-being later in life.
One such example is alcohol advertising in sports, which can negatively impact junior players.
You can help to reduce unhealthy food and beverage sponsorship in junior sport through the Healthier Choices Canberra Junior Sport Program.
Resources for parents and schools
- Positive Choices portal – information on drugs and alcohol for school communities.
- OurFutures Australia – health and wellbeing education and resources.
- Canberra Health Services P.A.R.T.Y program – an injury awareness and prevention program for young people.