RCP responds to the data contained in 'Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England'

Wednesday, 27 January 2010 12:00 AM

Commenting on the revised estimates of how much 11-15 year olds are drinking regularly, Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Chair of the UK Alcohol Health Alliance said:

"These figures indicate that for many young teenagers drinking has moved beyond experimentation and into far more dangerous territory. Regular consumption at these levels, especially when compressed into heavy sessions at the weekend puts boys and girls at considerable risk. This extends beyond the usual considerations around accidents and injury through violence. At this age the adolescent mind is still developing, and for an unlucky minority heavy drinking so early will have profound and long lasting implications for their learning and problem solving skills. Tougher penalties for those found to be selling alcohol to youngsters are welcome, but parents and families also have a responsibility to help their offspring make healthy choices."

Commenting on new regional figures for smoking prevalence in teenagers in England, Professor John Britton, Chair of the Royal College of Physician's Tobacco Advisory Group, said:

"Lower smoking prevalence in teenagers in London reflects the fact that fewer adults in London smoke than in other parts of the country. Research shows that children imitate behaviour in adults that they see as normal, regardless of perceived health risks. We clearly need to target the families, carers and friends who are role models to children to further denormalise smoking."

Notes to editors

To arrange to speak to Prof Gilmore please contact Frank Soodeen, or Linda Cuthbertson at the RCP on 0203 075 1468 or 0203 075 1254 respectively.
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) plays a leading role in the delivery of high quality patient care by setting standards of medical practice and promoting clinical excellence. We provide physicians in the United Kingdom and overseas with education, training and support throughout their careers. As an independent body representing over 20,000 Fellows and Members worldwide, we advise and work with government, the public, patients and other professions to improve health and healthcare.

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