Adolescents typically drink large amounts of alcohol in a session.
The harms from drinking in this age group can be large.
Supervision of any adolescent drinking is essential.
Typically, adolescents and young adults drink more alcohol in a session than other age groups.
In 2012, almost half (43%) of secondary school drinkers reported that they would typically consume 5 or more drinks in a drinking occasion. This was higher (53%) among those aged 17 years and over.
Almost 20% of adolescent males reported consuming 10 or more drinks.
The young body and brain of an adolescent places them at increased risk of alcohol-related harm. Those aged under 15 years are at particularly high risk, with the rates of harm remaining somewhat elevated among drinkers aged 15−17 years.
It is very important that the short-term and long-term harms from adolescent alcohol use are prevented. It is essential that if alcohol is consumed by young people, it is undertaken in a supervised environment and alcohol is provided responsibly.
