A new report identifies the UK as having the highest global rates of child alcohol consumption, with over one-third of children aged 11 having tried alcohol. Concerns about mental health and the role of social media are also highlighted.
A report by the World Health Organization reveals that the UK has the highest rates of child alcohol consumption globally. According to the study, conducted among 280,000 children aged 11, 13, and 15 from 44 countries, more than one-third of UK children have tried alcohol by the age of 11. By age 13, this figure rises to 57% for girls and 50% for boys in England, surpassing other nations involved in the research.
Furthermore, the data suggests that girls in the UK are more engaged in drinking, smoking, and vaping than boys of the same age, with 40% of girls in England and Scotland having vaped by age 15.
Dr. Katherine Severi, the chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, critiqued the notion that early exposure to alcohol can lead to responsible drinking habits and warned of the potential risks associated with early alcohol consumption.
The report also draws attention to the broader issues affecting youth in the UK. The Prince’s Trust NatWest Youth Index highlights mental health struggles among teenagers, exacerbated by exam stress, social media pressures, and financial concerns. Nearly half of parents with children in secondary school express anxiety about their child’s emotional well-being.
In response, experts advise parents to engage in supportive and open communication, promote healthy coping mechanisms like yoga and mindfulness, and monitor their children’s online activities to mitigate the impact of negative social media influences.
Overall, these findings underscore significant challenges in adolescent substance use and mental health, prompting emphasis on parental involvement and preventive measures to support young people’s well-being in the UK.
