Child alcohol abuse in UK worst globally

 

The recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) sheds light on concerning trends in alcohol and substance use among adolescents in England and other countries. Here are some key points from the report:

1. High Alcohol Use Among Adolescents: England stands out with a high prevalence of alcohol consumption among adolescents, with a third of 11-year-olds and more than half of 13-year-olds reporting alcohol consumption. This places England at the top among 44 countries examined in the report.

2. Gender Differences: The report indicates that girls are more likely than boys to consume alcohol and get drunk by the age of 15 in England, Wales, and Scotland.

3. Early Initiation and Risks: Research suggests that early initiation of alcohol consumption can lead to more serious problems later in life. The report found that starting from the age of 13, a significant proportion of adolescents had already been drunk at least twice, highlighting the potential health risks associated with early alcohol use.

4. Factors Influencing Alcohol Consumption: Several factors may contribute to the trend of early alcohol initiation, including exposure to alcohol at home, changing parental attitudes, and the impact of events like the COVID-19 lockdown.

5. Personal Experiences: Harriet Strange, who started drinking alcohol at the age of 14, shares her personal story, including how her relationship with alcohol spiraled into self-destruction. Her experience underscores the importance of addressing alcohol-related issues among adolescents.

6. Preventive Measures: Experts emphasize the importance of implementing measures to protect children and adolescents from harmful substance use. These measures may include parental education, restrictions on availability, and bans on advertising and promotion of substances, both online and offline.

7. Other Substance Use: The report also examines the use of other substances among adolescents, such as cannabis and vaping. While smoking rates have declined, vaping rates have increased, raising concerns about the potential health risks associated with vaping, especially among younger age groups.

Overall, the report highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address substance use among adolescents and to protect their health and well-being.