Youth drinking in the spotlight

Great Southern teenage drinking is on the rise, according to health experts, an issue which will be addressed at a PCYC event tomorrow.

The Drug Action Week Albany committee invite parents and teenagers to attend PCYC’s Strike II night on Friday, at 6pm, to encourage parents to be proactive about the risk of alcohol-related harm. There will be information and resources on substance use and sexual health available at the event.

WA Country Health Service Great Southern population health co-ordinator Sushma Putta said parents had a large role in shaping young people’s drinking habits.

“Harmful alcohol consumption amongst Great Southern youth is an increasing issue, with the 2006 to 2010 statistics indicating that hospitalisation rates for 15 to 24-year-olds for all alcohol related causes were significantly greater in the Great Southern compared to the state rate,” Dr Putta said.

“Research clearly demonstrates that for young people under the age of 18 years, the safest option is not to drink alcohol at all. Parents can assist in delaying the commencement of drinking for their %teenager.”

Dr Putta said 40 per cent of 12 to 17-year-old students who had alcohol in the previous week were supplied by their parents.