Youth workers and teachers lack alcohol education support

The charity's research also showed that one in four young people drink for "something to do".

Forty three per cent of more than 300 professionalswho  responded to Drinkaware's survey, conducted in March, said that under-18s currently have too much freedom over their own social lives.

The research was conducted as part of Drinkaware's ongoing campaign to reduce alcohol abuse among young people and has informed the creation of a new pack to help professionals.

Chris Sorek, chief executive of Drinkaware, said: "Providing professionals with everything they need to help under-18s is an important part of ensuring young people are clued up when it comes to drinking. The Drinkaware pack, which contains a factsheet and a workshop plan among other tools, will help youth workers and teachers to get under-18s thinking about alcohol in a different way."