Alcohol: it is important to educate children from the age of 9

It is a fad that can have disastrous consequences on the youngest organisms: the binge-drinking, this practice of drinking as much as possible in the shortest amount of time is taken very seriously by health authorities. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is essential to contain this phenomenon, which can sometimes lead to death.
For this, the team in charge of this work recommends raising awareness of the ravages of alcohol more and more young people (here from 9 years old).

Young people drinking earlier and earlier

In a report published in early September, 21% of teens 13 and under have already tasted a sip of alcohol, while this rate climbs to 80% five years later. On top of that, the figures show that 36-50% of high school students regularly drink alcohol (28-60% of them participate in binge-drinkings).
These figures remain worrying, especially since, in relation to his weight, a teenager is likely to get drunk more quickly than an adult.

Why do we need to educate young people from the age of 9? Quite simply because alcohol consumption starts earlier and earlier. “Given their inexperience with alcohol and smaller organisms, children and adolescents can have serious consequences – including death – with their first episode of binge-drinking », Explains Dr Siqueira, one of the persons in charge of this work. the binge-drinking starts with three alcoholic drinks consumed in two hours or less.

A real danger for teens

“Studies have indicated that continued alcohol consumption during this growth period can interfere with important aspects of brain development, and can lead to cognitive impairment,” he continues. The report makes it clear that early prevention is much more effective than intervention a posteriori. Advertising for alcoholic drinks is of course singled out, since according to specialists, it can affect children very early on.

This report also gives keys for pediatricians. Indeed, it is recommended that health professionals make parents of the youngest aware of the potential dangers of alcohol. They are also advised to “screen” children with suitable tools, including two key questions: “Do you have any friends who have had beer, wine or any alcoholic beverage in the past year? And “Have you had more than a few sips of beer, wine, or any alcoholic beverage?” “.