Statistics on Youth and Alcohol in Bermuda

In the most recent survey of Bermuda's youth, which was done in 2011 by the Department for National Drug Control and the Department of Education, where 7 public schools, 6 private schools and 16 home schools were surveyed, some promising downward trends were noted, please see below:

In the 2011 survey 3,182 13 to 18 year olds were surveyed and the percentage who reported that they had tried alcohol showed a decrease compared to 2007. In the 2007 survey, of those surveyed, 67% said they had tried alcohol. In the 2011 survey, 55% said they had tried alcohol. This is a good, downward trend.

Also, in the 2011 survey the percentage of youth who reported current, past 30-day, alcohol use, decreased compared to 2007. In the 2007 survey, of those surveyed, 37% reported they were currently using alcohol. In the 2011 survey, 19% reported they were currently using alcohol. Another promising downward trend.

The 2011 survey showed that the average age for first trying alcohol was 12 years old.

To see how to talk with children about alcohol click here

It is proven, that those who begin drinking before the age of 15, are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence (alcoholism) than those who wait until the age of 21. Each additional year of delayed drinking onset reduces the probability of developing alcoholism by 14%.

The younger a person is when they begin consuming alcohol, the more likely they are to grow up to be addicted to alcohol.

To see how to talk with Teenagers about alcohol click here

Adults make the difference, stop underage drinking. Do not give, buy or serve alcohol to young people under the age of 18.

View a Full Copy of the 2011 Youth Survey

There is no age limit on alcoholism. There are many teenage alcoholics. Teens who drink are at particularly great risk of becoming alcoholic, since the disease develops much more rapidly in young people than in adults.

The younger a person is when they begin consuming alcohol, the more likely they are to develop alcohol dependence (alcoholism).

Adults make the difference, stop underage drinking. Model responsible alcohol behavior infront of young people.

To see how to talk with children about alcohol click here

Adults make the difference, stop underage drinking. Don't keep alcohol in your house, or lock it up.

To see how to talk with Teenagers about alcohol click here

1747 students admitted having tried alcohol, and of these 1747 students, 46% had engaged in sexual activity. While those students who had not tried alcohol, had not engaged in sexual activity.

Children who live with alcoholics are at a higher risk for developing alcoholism. When asked if they had family members with alcohol or drug problems, 40% of the 3,000 students surveyed in 2007 said they did.

To look at trends, here are the 2011 survey results compared to the 2007 and the 2003 survey results. In these surveys, more than 3,000 13 to 18 year old students were surveyed:

2003

Average age for first trying alcohol 12

Average age for drinking alcohol regularly 14

% of thirteen year olds who had tried alcohol 34%

% of fourteen year olds who had tried alcohol 44%

% of fifteen year olds who had tried alcohol 59%

2007

Average age for first trying alcohol 12

Average age for drinking alcohol regularly 14

% of thirteen year olds who had tried alcohol 38%

% of fourteen year olds who had tried alcohol 58%

% of fifteen year olds who had tried alcohol 70%