WHEN YOUR CHILD DRINKS TOO MUCH
Children learn about alcohol from an early age. By seven most children have already
tasted alcohol and between the ages of 10 and 13 most children have their first
alcoholic drink. Most adolescents drink occasionally and moderately and at around 16,
both sexes begin to drink more heavily.

 TALKING AND LISTENING

• Try not to judge - explain you want to talk because you are concerned
• Don't lecture or preach
• Find out how much your child knows about alcohol
• Talk to them about alcohol - what are their opinions?
• Be a good role model

 THE LAW

Some parents might need more information about alcohol and drinking to talk about
the subject with their children. The following outlines the law in relation to alcohol and
young people.

• It is illegal to give alcohol to a child under 5
• It is not illegal for a child over 5 to drink on private premises, e.g. in the home.
• Children aged 14 and over are allowed in licensed premises as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. They’re not allowed to buy, be sold or have alcohol
  bought for them
• Many local authorities also have bye-laws which forbid the drinking of alcohol in
  public places. Some police forces also have the authority to confiscate alcohol
  from those under 18.