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  • Working for the DCFS and COI, our project on Underage Drinking looked into the lives of a diverse audience including children, young people, parents and stakeholders working in the field of alcohol and health.

    The impact of alcohol on young lives is increasing. The DCSF have a remit to help young people and parents understand the issues.

    Define was commissioned to undertake an extensive study to identify the triggers to youth drinking (as well as the barriers).

    Social, cultural, educational and psychological factors clearly influence the behaviour and attitudes of young people and their parents towards Underage Drinking. Identifying and understanding these factors is essential in order to develop effective policy and communications targeted at preventing underage and excessive drinking.

    While underage drinking is considered as illicit this contrasted harshly with a national psyche of broad alcohol acceptance and legitimacy. Boundaries and limits – the route to becoming a ‘responsible drinker’ – are unclear and often misinterpreted. Language around drinking and the prevalence of under-counting of units was starkly revealed. Adult and young people’s beliefs around alcohol management were oftentimes unfounded and sometimes counter-effective – promoting the very negative effects that parents and young people were seeking to avoid.

    Define gathered the data using a range of bespoke methods including ‘participant researchers’ (where young people interviewed their peers and reported back the inside scoop on what it is to be a teen drinker in 2008). The findings were fascinating and challenging (to many of us who enjoy the ‘odd tipple’). The points of leverage for change are clear.

    Linked below are published articles prompted by the DCSF report:

    > DCSF Report

    > Teacher Training Resource Bank

    > Alcohol Learning Centre

    > Social Care Online