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A groundbreaking study led by Flinders University is providing fresh insights into Australian parents’ attitudes toward supplying alcohol to their underage children. The research, published in the Health Promotion International journal, surveyed over 1,000 parents with children aged 12 to 17 to explore their beliefs, motivations, and practices regarding alcohol consumption among adolescents.
Professor Jacqueline Bowden, the lead author of the study and Director of the National Center for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) at Flinders University, explained that the goal of the study was to better understand how parents’ perceptions of alcohol influence their decisions to supply it to their children.
“Alcohol is the leading individual risk factor for death and disability in 15- to 24-year-olds globally,” said Professor Bowden. “Unfortunately, parents are often a primary source of alcohol for adolescents who drink. Many parents believe that supplying alcohol to their children is a safe way to teach responsible drinking, but research shows that this actually increases the risk of risky drinking behavior.”
The study highlights the importance of addressing these perceptions and working with parents to foster healthier attitudes toward alcohol consumption. “The good news is that parents can be a part of the solution—they are the greatest resource we have in preventing underage drinking,” Professor Bowden emphasized.
The study also introduces a new perspective by incorporating the concept of a “social clock”—the idea that societies set universally accepted ages for behaviors like drinking and getting married. Professor Bowden noted with concern that over 40% of parents surveyed felt that an acceptable drinking age for their children was 17 or younger, despite national guidelines recommending an age of 18 or older.
One of the most striking findings was the disconnect between parents’ perceptions of their own practices and those of their peers. While only 11% of parents admitted to supplying alcohol for unsupervised use, 45% believed that this practice was common among other parents, suggesting that many view the community’s approach to supplying alcohol as more lenient than their own.
The survey, which included responses from 1,197 parents, revealed several key findings:
- Parents who believe other parents supply alcohol are more likely to do the same.
- The belief that it is acceptable to drink alcohol before 18 increases the likelihood of supplying alcohol to children.
- Parents who view alcohol as beneficial for adolescents are more likely to provide it.
- Conversely, parents who view alcohol as harmful are less likely to supply it.
Dr. Ashlea Bartram, a co-author of the study, pointed out that the research underscores the changing attitudes toward alcohol among teens. “The good news is that more teens are choosing not to drink alcohol—it’s no longer the social necessity it once was for previous generations,” said Dr. Bartram.
The study suggests that interventions targeting parents’ beliefs about alcohol, as well as fostering open, honest conversations with their children, may help reduce the supply of alcohol to underage teens.
Dr. Bartram also advised parents to set clear rules regarding alcohol but remain open to discussing them with their children. “One of the best things parents can do is have open conversations about alcohol. This helps set expectations and provides a safe space for discussing any concerns.”
This research marks a significant step in understanding the complex role parents play in adolescent drinking behavior and offers valuable insights into how interventions can support healthier choices for both parents and their children.
For further information, the full study is available in Health Promotion International journal (DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae173).
