More than a quarter of Australians aged 16 and 17 are allowed to drink at home, a study shows, with researchers warning parents against supervised consumption.
The newly released report, based on interviews with almost 3,000 teenagers and their families across Australia in 2016, found 28 per cent of that age group were granted permission to drink at home.
Almost a fifth (18 per cent) of the surveyed teenagers within two years of the legal drinking age were also allowed to take alcohol to parties or social events.
Alcohol linked to more cancers than thought, study findsRead more
Of the teens who had drunk alcohol before, 23 per cent of those with parental permission had experienced alcohol-related harm, compared to 17 per cent of their counterparts.
Dr Brendan Quinn, lead researcher of the Australian Institute of Family Studies report, said the findings exposed the risks of underage alcohol use at home or parties.
“All alcohol use is associated with a risk of experiencing associated harms,” he said in a statement as the report was released on Thursday.
“In some cases, parents may be allowing their teenagers to drink at home in the belief that supervised alcohol consumption could facilitate a more responsible relationship with alcohol and reduce potential harm.
“However research suggests early alcohol use could lead to harmful drinking practices, both now and later in life.”
Time for tea: refreshing alternatives to alcohol | David WilliamsRead more
Instead of granting permission, he suggested parents should encourage their children to delay their first drink for as long as possible.
“Open conversations about alcohol between parents and their children will help prepare young people to make informed decisions for times when they encounter alcohol outside of the home,” Dr Quinn said.
OTHER 16- TO 17-YEAR-OLD DRINKING STATS FROM THE STUDY:
* About 30 per cent in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods allowed to drink at home, compared to 24 per cent in the most advantaged neighbourhoods
* About 35 per cent in outer regional or remote areas allowed to drink at home, compared to 30 per cent in inner regional areas and 25 per cent in major cities
