Bognor's youngsters get early thirst for alcohol

A study by the NHS has discovered that two out of three 14-15 year-olds drink alcohol regularly in the town.

In a lifestyle survey teenagers admitted that they drank alcohol regularly or occasionally, which is higher than the county’s average. Of those young people surveyed 47 per cent said they often binge drink.

Anna Kirk, public health quality and development manager for alcohol at NHS West Sussex, said: “Alcohol is one of the leading causes of health problems and we want to encourage people to think about how this affects young people by raising awareness of these issues during Alcohol Awareness Week.”

She added: “The younger people start drinking, the greater the impact on their health and wellbeing in the long term.

“Not only is there clear and immediate links to the long-term impact on health of alcohol misuse, there is also the potential for young people to be at risk of being involved in anti-social behaviour, crime or unwanted pregnancies.”

As part of the Alcohol Awareness Week, the Arun Community Alcohol Liaison Team visited schools and colleges to talk to young people about their attitudes to alcohol and their parents’ drinking habits.

This years theme was alcohol and childhood and saw hundreds of young people and their families learning about the dangers of alcohol.

Ms Kirk said: “We are working closely with schools, the police and other partners to make sure that young people have access to accurate information and advice about alcohol use.

“And if it reaches a point where a young person needs help, or their family needs support, we have a range of services that are there to work with them through the difficult time.”

For further information visit www.westsussex.nhs.uk/services-alcohol, the link can be found at the top right underneath external links..