The rate of alcohol consumption among teenagers is at an alarming level, according to a local organisation fighting the issue at its coalface.
A new report by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation found 11 per cent of high school students consumed alcohol in the last week, and almost half consumed it in the last year.
Overflow Foundation, a Logan-based initiative aimed at eradicating teenage substance abuse, said the report’s findings were “reflective of what we have observed in the community”.
“As an organisation dedicated to supporting young people facing substance use challenges, including alcohol consumption, we have seen firsthand the prevalence of alcohol use among secondary school students,” Overflow director Mike Carter said.
“It is not surprising to us that a significant portion of secondary school students have consumed alcohol in the past year, with a considerable percentage reporting recent consumption.”
Mr Carter said experimenting with alcohol was common for teenagers but was an issue that needed addressing.
“Underage alcohol and substance use pose significant dangers to the health, development, and wellbeing of young individuals,” he said.
“Firstly, alcohol and substance use during adolescence can interfere with brain development, leading to long-term cognitive impairments, decreased academic performance, and impaired decision-making abilities.
“Moreover, underage drinking and substance use increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, particularly in situations such as driving under the influence or engaging in risky behaviours while intoxicated.”
He said peer pressure, social norms, accessibility, mental health and pervasive marketing all contributed to the report’s alarming figures.
“The pervasive marketing of alcohol, often glamorising its consumption and associating it with social status and enjoyment, can influence young people’s attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol,” Mr Carter said.
“Media portrayals of alcohol use in movies, television shows, and advertisements may further normalise its consumption among adolescents.”
For others, Mr Carter said alcohol served as a coping mechanism to treat “underlying stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges”.
The report found almost 50 per cent of underage drinkers were given the alcohol by their parents.
Mr Carter said it was important parents make this decision “cautiously and with consideration of the potential risks and benefits”.
“It is complex and depends on various factors, including cultural norms, legal regulations, individual family dynamics, and the age and maturity of the teenager,” he said.
“Parents who allow their teenage children to drink, even in moderation, may inadvertently send mixed messages about alcohol use and may undermine efforts to promote responsible decision-making around substance use.
However, Mr Carter acknowledged the “harm reduction” approach taken by many parents who believe introducing alcohol in a controlled environment under parental supervision can “demystify alcohol and teach responsible drinking behaviours”.
He said reducing alcohol and substance abuse in future generations would require a “multifaceted approach” involving policymakers, educators, parents, communities, and health professionals.
“From a local standpoint, Overflow believes there is great value in helping educate and resource parents and caregivers to help young people navigate their relationship with substances,” Mr Carter said.
“The importance of role modelling when it comes to parents’ or caregivers’ alcohol consumption cannot be overstated, as it profoundly influences the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours of children and teenagers regarding alcohol use.
“When children observe their parents drinking alcohol responsibly and in moderation, they are more likely to internalise these behaviours and develop healthy attitudes towards alcohol.”
He said the opposite was true for parents with unhealthy drinking habits.
Overflow was created in 2019 and offers a range of programs and resources to struggling teens.
The foundation has a youth hub at Springwood, where locals can play basketball, socialise and learn.
