World Health Organization study shows alarming rates of underage drinking among British children

The UK has been identified as having the highest rate of child alcohol consumption globally, with over half of British children reporting alcohol consumption by the age of 13, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The study, conducted on 280,000 children aged 11, 13, and 15 across 44 countries, examined alcohol, cigarette, and vape usage data from 2021-22.

Results showed a significant issue of underage alcohol abuse in the UK. By the age of 11, more than a third of boys and girls had consumed alcohol. By age 13, 57% of girls and 50% of boys in England reported drinking alcohol – the highest rate among all countries in the study.

Moreover, over half of girls and boys from higher-income families in England reported alcohol consumption, compared to lower-income backgrounds.

Girls aged 13 and 15 in the UK were found to drink, smoke, and vape more than boys of the same age. Notably, 40% of girls in England and Scotland had vaped before 15, surpassing rates in other European countries.

The research revealed that 30% of girls aged 15 and 17% of boys of the same age had vaped in the past month in England, higher than several other countries.

Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, highlighted the serious public health threat posed by the widespread use of harmful substances among children.

Dr. Jo Inchley from the University of Glasgow, the study’s international coordinator, expressed concern over the UK’s high rates of underage drinking and smoking, emphasizing the need for further investigation and action.

Dr. Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, emphasized the risks associated with underage drinking, stressing that early alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of future alcohol-related problems.

In response, a government spokesperson reiterated the health risks associated with underage drinking, smoking, and vaping, highlighting efforts to create a smoke-free generation and implement stricter regulations on tobacco and vape sales to reduce appeal to children