Parenting

Many parents are concerned about alcohol as well as other drugs as their children grow up.

Research

Relatively recent research has shown that the brain keeps developing until we’re in our mid-twenties, and that alcohol is more harmful to young people than previously thought. Findings include: ·

• compared to adults, alcohol exposes teenagers to a greater risk of injury and harm, and doing things they may later regret
• teenagers are likely to drink more and take more risks when drinking, especially compared to older people
• drinking early can cause problems with alcohol later in life and damage the brain.

Alcohol can contribute to the three leading causes of death among young people:

• unintentional injuries
• homicide
• suicide.

As a result, parents often feel concerned as their children grow up. However, having open conversations about alcohol and drugs early on can be a positive experience for both parents and young people.