While the legal age to purchase alcohol is 18 in Australia, many teenagers start consuming alcohol socially while still in high school.
Underage drinking, although normalised, has a multitude of negative effects on one’s mental health, physical health, and importantly, brain development.
The Australian alcohol guidelines advise people under the age of 18 to avoid consuming alcohol to reduce the risk of injury and other harms to one’s health. Just because it happens doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Underage drinking in Australia: the facts
Addressing the misconception: 32% of Australians believe that 16 and 17 year olds can occasionally drink up to 2 standard drinks per week without putting their health at risk. 24% of people believe that doing so is beneficial in preparation for drinking as an adult. This is wrong as alcohol consumption at this age can affect brain development.
LEARN MORE: What is a standard drink?
Schoolies week statistic: Celebrating the end of high school is often linked to risky drinking and even drug use in some cases. A study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health showed that over 90% reported drinking alcohol (average of 8 standard drinks) in the last 12 hours following schoolies week.
The good news: Fewer Australian teenagers are drinking alcohol today compared to previous generations. The number of teens aged 14-17 who reported drinking alcohol at least once a year dropped from 69% in 2001 to 31% in 2023.
What underage drinking does to your teen
Impaired brain development: The teenage brain is still developing, particularly in areas that control decision-making, memory, and emotional regulation. Drinking alcohol during this stage can interfere with the growth of these crucial brain functions, leading to long-term cognitive impairments.
Increased risk of addiction: Teens who start drinking early are more likely to develop alcohol dependence later in life. In fact, studies show that those who begin drinking in their early teens are at a higher risk of alcoholism.
Mental health struggles: Alcohol use among teenagers has been linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Teen drinkers are more likely to suffer from these conditions, as alcohol disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters that regulate mood.
Risky behaviour: Underage drinking often leads to poor decision-making and risk-taking behaviour. This includes driving under the influence, unprotected sex, and involvement in violence, which could have lasting legal, physical, and emotional consequences.
The role of parents in preventing underage drinking
Parents can guide their children by promoting healthier choices, showing the potential risks of drinking, and providing alternatives to alcohol as a means of relaxation or socialisation.
It’s not just about setting rules; it’s about creating a safe and trusting environment. Leading by example is key to reinforcing positive behaviour. Positive alcohol safety role modelling can look like:
- Avoid binge drinking or risky drinking (no more than 10 standard drinks a week or 4 at a time)
- Having alcohol free days in your week
- Socialising without alcohol
- Managing stress in healthy ways
- Not driving after drinking alcohol
By demonstrating these behaviours, parents reduce the likelihood of underage drinking while also teaching valuable life skills for managing social and emotional challenges without resorting to alcohol.
Keeping learner and probationary drivers safe
For learner and probationary drivers, maintaining a 0.00 BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) is critical for their safety and to avoid severe legal penalties, such as loss of driving privileges or a criminal record. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair their ability to drive safely.
LEARN MORE: Drink driving penalties in Australia
Using an AlcoSense personal breathalyser helps teens ensure they're alcohol-free before driving. It's a simple way to promote responsibility, providing accurate readings so they can confidently stay within legal limits and avoid unnecessary risks.
By eliminating alcohol consumption before driving, you’re helping them avoid accidents, stay within the law, and protect their future.
