Under Age Drinking

Under age drinking is something that has become a problem for many parents in the United Kingdom in the last decade. The problem first began to present itself fully with the introduction and sale of so-called 'alcopops'. These alcoholic beverages - normally sold in bottle form - are a mixture of alcohol and fruit juice and as such as very easily consumed by minors.

How do I Know if my Child is Drinking Under Age?

We all know how difficult it is to keep check of our children these days especially with so many of them visiting and staying with friends, going to parties and going to after school clubs and the like.

Most children who drink under age will do so when there is little or no adult supervision - a good example being if their parents are out or if they are staying with friends. Some children will drink whilst out on the street and then come home and try to pass themselves off as being sober.

There are a few tell-tale signs that can indicate if they have been drinking or indeed taking illegal substances, they include:

• Over animated speech
• Glassy eyes
• Physical imbalance
• Slurring of words
• Trying to get upstairs without having to speak
• Coming home late

Of course it is worth mentioning that as parents we all know how different our children can be from one another so the aforementioned list is simply meant to act as a guide and is not a definitive list as to the symptoms of under age drinking

What can I do to Prevent my Children Drinking Under Age?

Again this is a question that can have many answers and there are no right or wrong ones. It can be suggested that keeping check on your child's movements is perhaps the best course of action. If they have a mobile telephone ask them to check in every couple of hours to ensure not only that they are safe but that they are sober.

Many under age drinkers are often caught out by their refusal to answer calls from home if they are out with friends. This can be seen as a rebellious streak but more often than not it is out of a desire not to be discovered doing or being somewhere they shouldn't.

If your child is going to a party or function give them enough money to see them through the evening. Do not simply hand money over as this is too tempting an opportunity to pass up.

Observe how they dress when they are going out; for girls in particular this is something of a giveaway as young girls tend to try and dress and apply make-up to make them look older. This is especially true if they are trying to get into a pub or club.

What Should I do if I know Someone is Selling Alcohol to Minors?

It is difficult to know what course of action to take for the best in this scenario. Many people tend to give the individual or shop who has sold the alcohol to a minor the benefit of the doubt. Especially if it transpires that the child has made themselves look much older than they are.

However all licensed premises - be they pubs, clubs, supermarkets or corner shops - have a legal responsibility to ask for proof of identity and age. They should reasonably expect to refuse anyone who looks under age and cannot prove their age.

If you suspect that this is the case then in the first instance speak to the individual responsible and make it known to them that you are aware of the circumstances. Even if they do offer to ensure that the situation does not arise again you should make it known to your local council or Trading Standards officer.

Also if you are going out for the evening or leaving the children at home for any reason - providing they are of course the age to be left alone - remove any alcoholic beverages to a safe place thus reducing the level of temptation put in their way.