1. Drinkers start young in Britain. It is estimated that nearly one in five 11- to 15-year-olds drink at least once a week. That's one of the highest youth drinking rates in Europe. Youth workers know that youthful experimentation is part of growing up. There is no need for an automatic moral panic. On the other hand, the links between alcohol and damaged lives are sobering enough to keep a watchful eye on.
2. Young people do not drink as frequently as adults, but they tend to put away large amounts. Initially, that means most health hazards are linked to drunkenness. But Alcohol Concern reports studies into adolescent drinking associating heavy drinking with a range of problems - antisocial behaviour, violence, accidents, physical and mental health problems and poor school performance.
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