Research commissioned from pollsters Ipsos Mori suggests three out of four young people have drunk illegally, up from 43 per cent in 2002. One in five admits to drinking regularly (see p8).
It was surprising to find underage drinking more prevalent among young people from relatively affluent, White families - often in rural areas - where both parents are working. Girls start drinking regularly later, but by the time they are 14 or 15 their alcohol intake outstrips boys.
Young people most likely to drink come from families where parents are more accepting of alcohol. Almost three out of four 11- to 16-year-olds said their parents know they drink alcohol, even though legally they aren't meant to do so without their parents' permission.
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