The Smart Generation – National Alcohol Guidelines Explained

New evidence suggests that young people who drink alcohol before age 18 may be doing permanent damage to their brain. There is also a lot of evidence showing the high risks of accidents, injuries, violence and self-harm among underage drinkers. This evidence was used to develop alcohol guidelines to help parents and teenagers make the best decisions when it comes to drinking.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) alcohol guideline

For children and young people under 18 years of age, not drinking alcohol is the safest option.

• Parents and carers should be advised that children under 15 years are at the greatest risk of harm from drinking and that for this age group, not drinking alcohol is especially important.
• For young people aged 15 – 17 years, the safest option is to delay the initiation of drinking for as long as possible.

Students in Year 9 will begin The Smart Generation Program this term. The Smart Generation Program aims to raise awareness of these alcohol guidelines. To do your part, please talk to your child about the importance of not drinking alcohol before age 18.

For more information about the NHMRC guidelines visit the website.