Kids aged 5 can drink

Friday 30 January 09

Parents are to be issued with government guidelines on letting their children drink alcohol at home. The advice due in the spring from the chief medical officer will set out the health risks of alcohol to help parents set "safe boundaries".

Alcohol Concern (the national agency on alcohol misuse that works to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems) said there was no safe amount of alcohol in children. "For that reason we would advise that children should have no more than a small sip of alcohol", said Don Shenker of AC. He added that parents definitely needed more guidance and it would need to be “very clear” on what amounts of alcohol were safe at what ages. "There also needs to be advice for parents on supervising other people's children in their care."

The guidelines are being put together by the UK chief medical officers in consultation with experts and parents. Figures show among teenagers fewer are drinking alcohol, but those who do drink are consuming more than ever.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said there was a need for clearer health information for parents on how drinking alcohol at a young age can affect children and young people. "We currently have guidelines on alcohol consumption for those aged over 18 but none in place for those under 18. Given that it is legal for someone aged over five to consume alcohol and the risks of drinking to the health, development and welfare of children is greater than for adults it is a gap that needs addressing, and that is why we are taking this course of action," he said.

Parents will be given specific advice on the age at which children and young people could start to drink, how much is sensible for young people to drink and to what extent a young person's drinking should be supervised by parents.

What are your views on this issue? Do you think that children can drink alcohol without problems if they're under parental supervision? Let us know on our forum!

If you want to know more about this issue, take a look at http://www.alcoholandfamilies.org.uk/index.htm.