Almost half of 15-year-olds take alcohol weekly

Forty-seven per cent of 15-year-olds are already drinking alcohol on a weekly basis, according to a study carried out by Marianne Massa, a principal officer at the Health Promotion Department.

According to the study, 31.5 per cent of boys and 16.4 per cent of girls of that age group drink wine regularly - the highest figures registered in Europe.

All the young people who took part in the study said they took their first alcoholic drink at home, a finding that should raise alarm bells for parents of teenage children.

Ms Massa presented the data during a press conference yesterday at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology in a bid to raise awareness on alcohol and drink-driving, especially before the festive period.

A second study was presented during the press conference confirming that the trend established at the age of 15 continued into the late teens.

This study, carried out by department director Mario Spiteri, shows that among those aged between 15 and 19, wine consumption rises to 57 per cent of males and 43 per cent of females, while 78 per cent of males and 59 per cent of females in this age group drink alcohol regularly.

Alcohol consumption is highest for both genders at parties, clubs or discos. However, drinking at home is also relatively high with 35 per cent of males and 18 per cent of females admitting to the practice.

The campaign highlights the problem of alcohol and the importance of designating a driver in a night out on the town, who would steer clear of alcohol. A taxi should be the solution if this failed.

The department said that people had to bear in mind that alcohol was a drug and since it was hard to measure the effect on each individual, abstinence was the best solution, but if people opted to drink, they had to do so responsibly.

More information is available by contacting the department on 2123 1247.