Children, teenagers and parents

Children, alcohol and the law

Under the Licensing Act of 1902, it is an offence to be drunk in charge of a child under the age of seven on any highway, public house, licensed premises, public place, building or inn. The Children’s Act of 1908 banned the use of alcohol by any child under the age of five except for medicinal purposes, and banned children under the age of 14 from the bar of a licensed premise. The Licensing Act of 1964 stated that no one under the age of 18 can be employed in a bar. At 14, a child can be taken into a bar, but must not consume alcohol. At 16 he or she can buy and drink wine, beer or cider in a restaurant. No intoxicating liquor can be sold or delivered to a person under 18 years of age.

It has been suggested that for newly qualified drivers age 18 to 20 – the age when road accidents are most common – the legal limit for drinking and driving should be lower than 80 mg% or even zero. However, it is good to see that many young people nowadays have a rule about not drinking any alcohol if they are driving.

Clubs, pubs, parties and teenagers

Going out for a drink is as much part of life for teenagers as it is for adults – perhaps even more, because being with your friends seems to be essential at that age. The popular meeting places often depend on the profits from serving alcohol, including student unions at college and university. Some young people overdo it from early on in their drinking days. Some will run into difficulties by drinking and driving, having an accident or falling out with friends. Some will start drinking to solve a problem – a habit that over the coming months or years could lead to major problems. That applies if it is drinking to help shyness or drinking because of being fed-up or bored.

Let your friends, parents or a school counsellor help if you have worries. There may be another way round the problem. You may just need to be told that being the quiet, shy person in your group of friends is OK – no one wants you to be incredibly talkative or witty anyhow! Saying ‘No’ can be hard if you are already self-conscious about how you fit in with your group. However, keeping your head and not giving way to pressure shows you have personality. You have the right to say ‘No’.

Advice to parents

• Introduce sensible drinking at home if your teenagers say they would like a drink.

• Advise eating something, even some crisps or chips, if they are out drinking with their friends, to help them avoid getting drunk.

• No drinking when driving, cycling or swimming.

• Let them know what the law is on drinking – for example, the minimum age for buying alcohol in a bar, off-licence or supermarket is 18.

• Is your own drinking pattern setting an example that you would like them to copy? Our children tend to follow what they see us do more than what we tell them to do!

• Be a good listener – check that the communication channel is working!

KEY POINTS 

• Young people with worries should get help by talking to someone

• Children tend to follow what their parents do, not what they say