Risky drinking in North West school children and its consequences: A study of 15 and 16 year olds


Key Findings and Recommendations

• Over five sixths (84.0%) of pupils drank alcohol, a decrease from the level reported in 2005 (87.9%). However among drinkers, there was an increase in the percentage drinking in public places (e.g. bars, parks) and the frequency of consumption.

• Of the 189,731 15 and 16 year olds in the North West, we calculate that around 56,900 (30.0%) binge drink at least weekly (i.e. drink five or more drinks in one session).

• For the first time, estimates of total alcohol consumption by 15 and 16 year olds in the North West have been calculated. We estimate that 65.9% of 15 and 16 year olds in the region drink at least monthly and that their total annual consumption is 83,943,726 units. This is equivalent to 44.2 bottles of wine (177.0 pints of beer) per year for every 15 and 16 year old in the region, or 67.2 bottles of wine (268.7 pints of beer) per year for each 15 and 16 year old that drinks at least once a month.

• Substantial levels of binge drinking, frequent drinking and drinking in public places were seen in all demographics. However, binge drinking in particular was more frequent amongst those living in more deprived areas (31.1% of drinkers binge drank at least once a week in the most affluent areas compared to 39.1% in the least affluent [quintiles]).

• Among drinkers, 34.1% stated that they bought their own alcohol. These individuals were more likely to engage in a risky drinking behaviour (e.g. three times more likely to binge drink once or more a week). • Consistent with findings in 2005, those who had alcohol provided to them by parents (48.5% of drinkers) were 1.64 times less likely to binge drink each week and 1.28 times less likely to drink in public places.

• Having a hobby or being involved in sports was protective against most risky drinking behaviours with, for instance, those having a hobby or sports pastime being 1.59 times less likely to binge drink.

• Among those that drank once a week or more, 39.7% of females and 42.0% of males had been involved in violence following alcohol use. Those from the two poorest deprivation quintiles of residence were around 50% more likely to have been involved in alcohol-related violence than those in the most affluent quintile.

• Engaging in binge drinking, drinking more frequently, and drinking greater amounts of alcohol each week, were also associated with alcohol-related violence. Thus, those binge drinking three or more times per week were over five times more likely to have been involved in alcohol-related violence (than those who drank each week but did not binge drink).

• Among those that drank once a week or more, 20.7% of females and 15.4% of males reported regretted sex following alcohol. Females; those aged 16; those binge drinking more frequently; and those drinking at greater volumes per week were more likely to have had regretted sex following alcohol consumption. For instance, those drinking over 40 units per week were two and a half times more likely to have had sex they later regretted following alcohol (than those who drank each week but consumed up to five units per week).

• Heavy drinking patterns were associated with higher levels of smoking. While only 2.1% of those that drink at least once a week but never binge drink smoked more than five cigarettes per day this rises to 47.7% amongst those that binge drink three or more times per week.

• With over a third of drinkers stating that they bought their own alcohol, it is essential that all retailers prevent underage sales, as results here identify that such behaviour is strongly linked to the problematic use of alcohol by youths.

• With substantial levels of alcohol being consumed by teenagers, parents require much better information on how much alcohol their children can consume, as well as the health and anti-social behaviours associated with alcohol consumption.

• Consistent messages regarding the risks associated with alcohol consumption should be delivered through educational settings to provide young people with an understanding of the dangers associated with alcohol use and to counter the promotional effects of alcohol advertising to which children are exposed on a regular basis.

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