Kids. Are they drinking too much too soon?

It's a common belief that our kids are growing up quicker than ever. From designer clothes and make-up to money and attitude, they seem to have it all earlier than before. A recent report has even suggested that over half of parents believe their children are effectively grown up by the age of 11.

Pressures of modern life

Some blame technology; some blame the media and some blame rising peer pressure. But, whether its influence or simply evolution that has sparked this rush to adulthood it's clear our kids still need the support and guidance they always did – if not more. And, if 11 really is the new coming of age then just what pressures are our kids under to play the game?

Challenges for parents

James, 45 a father of two (14 and 16) worries about the pressure his kids are under; "Staying out late is something my kids have done from a fairly young age. They have always cried 'everyone else is allowed' and as a single parent, I've found it hard to run a tough love approach. I do worry about who they are hanging around with and what they are getting up to, especially as drinking is clearly on the agenda. Not that they admit this to me however, but I'm not daft – I know when they have had a drink and I remember what it was like trying to fit in. The worrying thing for me is that they seem to do everything earlier these days and who knows where this will end up".

"I'm not daft – I know when they have had a drink and I remember what it was like trying to fit in."

Aside from demonstrating how mature or 'cool' they are; like many adults, young people also drink to boost their confidence or even to forget. But, unlike adults their bodies aren't developed enough to cope with alcohol, which often means that even small amounts can lead to them getting drunk very quickly.

Peer pressure and the consequences

Peer pressure clearly plays a part and unfortunately can get in the way of young people making their own and the right choices. That's why it's important that they understand the risks involved in drinking alcohol at such a young age. It's also more likely that after a few drinks, they will put themselves in risky situations be that practising unsafe sex, dabbling in drugs or anti-social behaviour. Drinking alcohol therefore may catapult kids into the adult world but are they really ready for the consequences and all too often the regret this can bring?

Parental worries

Susan, 35, is worried about her son Paul, 15; "I realised Paul was drinking alcohol at the weekends a few months ago and since then things have gone from bad to worse. Every Friday and Saturday night he stays out later than his 10pm curfew and I can smell the alcohol off him when he comes in. I've tried talking to him about the dangers of drinking to get drunk and I even grounded him for a couple of weeks but I can't keep him locked in his room forever. I just wish I could make him see that there is plenty of time to start drinking. I miss the days when him and his mates played football in the back garden, since he started drinking he has lost all interest in sports."