Reducing the supply of alcohol to underage young people ‘The Youth Health & Wellbeing Survey’ was conducted in nine schools across Glenelg Shire in 2014. Dr John Toumbourou, Professor and Chair in Health Psychology at Deakin University, presented the key findings and recommendations to a stakeholder forum in Portland on 26 February. The data confirmed that there is a significant issue of underage alcohol use, with relatively high rates of early age alcohol use – 43% of Year 6s and 58% of Year 8s have used alcohol in their lifetime. Parents are the main suppliers of alcohol. Using alcohol at an early age increases the likelihood that children will become heavy alcohol users and experience subsequent alcohol-related problems and disorders. Starting to use alcohol in early high school also reduces the likelihood of completing school.
Glenelg Alcohol Health Promotion Planning Committee – Youth Survey Results