What are the physical effects of alcohol on young people?
Underage individuals should not drink.
Since adolescents are still in a phase of physical development, their tolerance to alcohol is not fully developed as it is the case for adults.
Young people are therefore at particular risk from alcohol consumption because it interferes with their growth, brain development (drinking, at any time before the brain development is complete, may later adversely affect brain function), nutritional status, and personality development.
!Binge drinking is particularly dangerous
What does immaturity have to do with drinking alcoholic beverages?
Young people take greater risks than adults but do not have the experience nor are they mature enough to take decisions, all factors that can lead to high levels of injuries. Telling them to stop drinking. The young brain is in fact sensitive to injury from alcohol and is less able to listen to body signs telling them to stop drinking.
The high expectations many young people attribute to alcohol as a social lubricant can sometimes expose them to major risks. Furthermore, the constant process of change and transformation experienced by young people affecting both their personality and their body can rapidly facilitate a psychological and physical dependence on alcohol.
Does the way my family consume alcoholic beverages have an impact on me?
Parental supervision of alcohol consumption in a family environment may also provide a tool for establishing child-parent dialogues on alcoholic beverages. This approach requires supporting parents to ensure they are a role model and show only moderate drinking behaviours to their children, and only when appropriate, for example enjoying a glass of wine together with the meal, and only moderate amounts.
Did you know?
Parental figures should set an example in showing a good role model and encourage moderate and responsible drinking habits.
Minimum purchasing age or drinking in public
The laws in every country reflect regional and cultural differences. Legal restrictions on the age at which individuals may purchase alcoholic beverages vary from country to country and typically range from 16 to 21 years of age.
For more information about the minimum purchasing age in your country, visit your national government websites.