NCB welcomes government's bold move to set 'age and stage' medical guidance on young people's alcohol use

29 January 2009

NCB today warmly welcomes the release of the government's public consultation on guidance and advice for young people, parents and alcohol, which the charity hopes will provide the clarity and support that children, young people and parents need to manage alcohol use safely.

Within the new guidance and for the first time, the government has offered guidelines on age related drinking. The Chief Medical Officer advocates an alcohol free childhood as the healthiest and best option. Those under 15 should not drink at all, and those aged 15-17 should never exceed the daily limits for adults of 2-3 units for women and 3-4 units for men. For 15-17 year olds drinking should be infrequent and never be more than once a week.

Joanne Butcher, Assistant Director of Well-Being at NCB, commented: 'Society often gives confused messages about alcohol. For example, on the one hand viewing drunken behaviour as amusing and then reprimanding young people for drinking too much. The Government has made a bold step in setting 'age and stage' parameters for alcohol use by children and young people that should help parents and young people to make informed choices. Government can further strengthen this guidance by ensuring it makes the links with wider public health initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles.' 

Joanne continues: 'We are delighted to see the government's commitment to actively seek out the views of young people and parents as part of the process. NCB is now calling for more consideration to be given to the needs of the most vulnerable children and families who need more tailored advice and support. Currently the guidance provides important universal messages for most parents, children and young people, but now Government needs to go one step further by considering how to support those who need it the most.'

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Notes to Editors

1. NCB's mission is to advance the well-being of all children and young people across every aspect of their lives. As a membership and infrastructure support agency for the children's sector in England and Northern Ireland, NCB provides essential information on policy, research and best practice for our members and the members of our wide range of partnership bodies, which operate under our charitable status and are based in our London headquarters. For further information visit http://www.ncb.org.uk/

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