Is it OK to allow children to drink some alcohol at home?

A study has found that half of parents with children under the age of 14 allow them to drink alcohol at home.
A study has found that half of parents with children under the age of 14 allow them to drink alcohol at home.A study has found that half of parents with children under the age of 14 allow them to drink alcohol at home.
A study has found that half of parents with children under the age of 14 allow them to drink alcohol at home.

Perhaps even more concerning, is that according to the Churchill Home Insurance survey, one in ten allow children between the ages of five and seven to drink alcohol.

While it is not illegal for a child between the age of five and 16 to drink alcohol on private premises, Chief Medical Officer for England Dame Sally Claire Davies warns, “Children and their parents or carers are advised that an alcohol- free childhood is the healthiest and best option. However, if children drink alcohol underage, it should not be until at least the age of 15 years.

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A more worrying statistic, published by the independent charity drinkaware, is that, "almost 65,000 young people every year need treatment in hospital A&E departments because of alcohol".

Davis further goes to comment, in her efforts to warn others of the effects underage drinking can have, that, “Parents and young people should be aware that drinking, even at age 15 or older, can be hazardous to health and that not drinking is the healthiest option for young people.”

For more information visit www.drinkaware.co.uk

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