Call for improved school alcohol education

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence believes the move is necessary to reduce the harm done by under age drinking.

It is also calling for parents and carers to be offered advice on parenting skills, where appropriate. And for teachers, school nurses and counsellors to offer one-to-one advice to young people if drinking appears to be a problem.

Alasdair Hogarth, head teacher at Archbishops School, Canterbury, said: “Young people see alcohol on sale all around them, in supermarkets, off-licenses, pubs and restaurants.

“The UK has some of the highest levels of young people drinking alcohol in Europe so it is essential that those working with young people incorporate awareness about the risks of drinking into education.”