UK: Bored teenagers turn to alcohol - Drinkaware research

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 6 July 2009

A quarter of 16 and 17-year-olds in the UK drink alcohol out of sheer boredom, according to a new report from the Drinkaware charity.

Most of the 553 teenagers questioned in an ICM Poll, commissioned by Drinkaware, said that they would rather drink alcohol than read books or play sport. One in four said they drink "just for something to do".

More than two thirds said that they drink at least once per week, highlighting that alcohol consumption remains common among teenagers under the legal drinking age of 18, Drinkaware said today (6 July).

"Many young people unintentionally put themselves at risk when they drink alcohol and it is crucial that young people are given the facts about drinking and its effects," said Chris Sorek, CEO of Drinkaware, which is part-funded by the drinks trade and has a board compiled of both drinks industry and non-industry representatives.

The same ICM poll found that around 60% of professionals working with under-18s require more supporting materials to educate young people about alcohol.

From tomorrow (7 July), Drinkaware will publish research and a workshop plan on its website to help professionals. The information can be found at www.drinkaware.co.uk/tips-and-tools.

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