Teen Drinking Down, But Excessive Consumption Still a Concern
Dutch youth are drinking less since the introduction of stricter alcohol laws, but health experts warn that teens are still susceptible to excessive consumption and related risks. A recent survey conducted by the Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy (STAP) revealed that while overall alcohol consumption has decreased among young people, binge drinking remains a concerning issue.
A Mixed Picture
On the one hand, the news is promising: young people are drinking less frequently and in smaller quantities. However, on the other hand, when teens do consume alcohol, they often engage in risky behaviors, such as binge drinking or drinking to the point of blacking out. "We’re seeing a decrease in overall consumption, but the amount consumed on the occasions that young people do drink is still very high," says Marjolein in ‘t Veld, spokesperson for STAP.
Kinderarts Sounds the Alarm
Prompted by these findings, Kinderarts, a public health organization, has published an urgent book on youth and alcohol. The organization’s director, Nico van der Lely, warns, "Young people still drink too much, and we’re seeing an increase in the number of alcohol-related incidents among teens."
Van der Lely criticizes the government’s current alcohol policy, stating, "The policy is not aggressive enough. We need stricter measures, such as higher alcohol taxes and stricter enforcement of drinking age regulations."
A Call for Change
Kinderarts is not alone in its concerns. Other public health organizations and experts are joining the call for stricter alcohol policies. They argue that while the current policies have led to a decrease in overall consumption, they are not effective in preventing binge drinking and related risks among young people.
The problem, according to experts, lies in the prevailing attitudes towards alcohol in Dutch society. In many social settings, excessive drinking is still normalized, and young people may feel pressure to conform to these behaviors. As in ‘t Veld puts it, "We need to change the culture around alcohol. It’s not about never drinking, but about drinking responsibly and in moderation."
A New Book: ‘Stop with Alcohol for Youth‘
In response to these concerns, a new book titled ‘Stop with Alcohol for Youth’ has been published. The book aims to provide young people with information about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption and offer strategies for making responsible alcohol choices.
In the face of these concerning trends, experts emphasize the importance of education and open communication. By encouraging young people to think critically about their alcohol consumption and providing them with the tools to make responsible choices, we can help to create a culture of responsible drinking.
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