Young people and drink – what do you think?
30 January 2009
Parents, teenagers and carers across Warwickshire are among those being asked to have their say on young people and alcohol.
Startling medical guidance published for the consultation on Thursday by Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson recommended that young people up to the age of 15 should avoid alcohol altogether.
Evidence shows that the number of young people drinking has decreased in recent years, however the amount consumed by those who do continues to rise.
Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “We welcome the desire to tackle the issues surrounding young people and alcohol and will be looking closely at the recommendations. We recognise that the role of parents is pivotal in teaching children of the dangers of misusing alcohol.”
Warwickshire County Council is preparing its own campaign to challenge parents on how they are supporting their children to know the dangers of alcohol misuse. This follows the recent countywide campaign encouraging young people to ‘Stay in Control’.
The public consultation is available at http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations and is open until Thursday 23 April.
Warwickshire Young People’s Substance Misuse Service provides confidential help, support and advice for young people with alcohol difficulties and can be contacted on free phone 08000 887248.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Christopher Cresswell in the Warwickshire County Council press office on 01926 418606.