Policy and Advocacy: Young people

The Law Commission’s report Alcohol in Our Lives: Curbing the Harm makes 153 recommendations spanning a broad range of areas. However, none has featured in the news more prominently than the recommendation to raise the drinking age. Sarah Helm explains why discussion and debate about youth drinking is a good thing.

The Australian Drug Foundation says it is important parents understand the critical role they play in introducing children to alcohol. Parents are currently one of the main sources of alcohol for young people, so it is vital that they teach their children about it and how to act responsibly. When it comes to teaching children about alcohol, remember the three Rs:

It once marketed itself as the party university, but now the University of Otago’s academic reputation is under threat internationally because of the binge-drinking and bacchanalian revelry of its students. The university is trying to reverse its drinking culture, but how much can it achieve when, across society, drinking to excess has become the norm for the young?