In the most recent survey of Bermuda's youth, which was done in 2007, 3,000 13 to 18 year olds were surveyed.

Of those surveyed, 67% said they had tried alcohol.

In the same survey, the average age for first trying alcohol was 12 years old.

The average age for drinking alcohol regularly was 14 years old.

To see how to talk with young people about alcohol click here

In the same 2007 survey:

The youngest age for trying alcohol was 11 years old.

38% of 13 year olds had tried alcohol.

58% of 14 year olds had tried alcohol.

70% of 15 year olds had tried alcohol.

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%.

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

To see how to talk with young people about alcohol click here

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 young people about alcohol click here

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

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 2007 survey results compared to the 2003 survey results. In both surveys, 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%  

Adults make the difference, stop underage drinking. Talk with young people about why alcohol is harmful for them. 

To see how to talk with young people about alcohol click here

 

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