Real Life

Children, Christmas and alcohol – what’s the right thing to do?

Are we at risk as a society of teaching our kids that the meaning of Christmas is alcohol?

We might think introducing them to alcohol helps them to handle it. However it can open the door to more regular and heavier drinking at a younger age.

Joanne – A Mother’s Story

Mum Joanne Good lost her 16-year-old daughter Megan on 1 January 2014. She shares Megan’s story in the hope that it will save another parent from having to go through what she’s been through.

How can we help young people make healthier lifestyle choices?

Melanie Soutar, from the Matrix Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service in South Tyneside, offers her advice on how we can support young people and help them make informed choices when it comes to drinking alcohol.

Warning to parents about teenagers’ summer drinking sessions

When it comes to alcohol, it is 18 for a reason. Balance with police and local authorities are asking parents not to give alcohol to children this summer.

How can alcohol affect children and young people’s mental health?

We know how harmful alcohol can be for adults as it is linked to 200 different diseases and injuries including heart disease, liver disease and seven types of cancer. But the risks are even greater for children and young people under 18 whose minds and bodies are still developing.

Consultant psychiatrist Prof Eilish Gilvarry explains how alcohol can affect young people’s mental health.

Children’s Mental Health Week: The importance of an alcohol free childhood

As part of Children's Mental Health Week, Sue Taylor, Head of Alcohol Policy at Balance, highlights the impact alcohol can have on children and young people's mental health.

Social media and drinking in children – A picture is emerging, but it’s still sketchy

Dr Tony Rao, a consultant old-age psychiatrist and visiting lecturer at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust/Institute of Psychiatry in London, discusses how social media can influence drinking in children and younger people.

Alcohol adverts often appeal to underage adolescents

Dr Sadie Boniface, Head of Research at Institute of Alcohol Studies and Visiting Researcher at King’s College London, explains how alcohol marketing is everywhere, and is a barrier to an alcohol-free childhood.

A teacher’s view on alcohol and young people

Miss Rebecca Howard, PSHE education lead at John Spence Community High School has an important message for parents on the impact alcohol can have on their child’s education.

Rebekah Allon-Smith from family support charity Adfam on how children are affected by alcohol issues

Rebekah offers guidance for parents on how to protect your children from alcohol harms.

Children, alcohol and the risks: Advice from family GP Dr John Green

Dr John Green has some helpful advice for parents when it comes to alcohol.

Grounded: A 14-year-old’s story

A 14-year-old girl, who ended up in hospital after drinking spirits with her friends, shares her story to warn other teenagers about the dangers of alcohol.

Wine o’clock – a 14 year old’s perspective

A 14 year old shares his thoughts on alcohol, providing a young person’s perspective on its presence in everyday life particularly through advertising and asks us to consider the impact this is having on us all.

Parental supply of alcohol – the evidence

It’s not always easy knowing the right thing to do as a parent when it comes to alcohol. But research is starting to become overwhelming that giving alcohol to children – even small amounts with the best intentions – carries a risk of giving your child a taste for it.

What are the consequences of a ‘continental’ approach to alcohol?

Julia Bates, a Specialty Registrar in Public Health, considers the popular view that the UK has a problem with alcohol which is not shared by the rest of Europe and whether a more 'continental' approach would work best.

Mum’s honest account of daughter’s FASD diagnosis

As part of FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Awareness Day, Newcastle mum Karen shares her honest account of the cycle of alcohol abuse that led to lifelong consequences for her and her family.

Alcohol marketing and young people: why our young people are still on the frontline?

Children and young people are exposed to alcohol on a daily basis through a variety of ways including mass media advertising and marketing and social media.

Dr Nathan Critchlow, a Research Fellow at the University of Stirling, explains when it comes to young people, the evidence is overwhelming that awareness of alcohol marketing is linked with starting to drink and drinking more.

Did you know alcohol can affect children’s mental health?

During Children’s Mental Health Week Balance highlighted the impact alcohol can have on the mental health of young people in the region.

Children and young people have a right to a safe, happy and healthy future

When it comes to alcohol, how many of us have ever considered that our kids are surrounded by booze? Shockingly this is the view we found from young people in the North East.

This blog considers children and young people's exposure to it and shares their views.

Teenagers and alcohol – global pressures and home truths

Our director Colin Shevills talks about what's the right thing to do when it comes to children and alcohol? It’s a question which has perplexed countless parents over the years - himself included.

Gateshead adoptive mum speaks out about FASD, “the invisible disability”

Helen is a North East mum whose three adopted children were all born with what she calls “the invisible disability.” As part of FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Awareness Day, Helen is sharing her story and calling on parents around the globe to have a safer pregnancy.

New figures show most teenage alcohol comes from the home

We all want the best for our kids - and a common myth among North East parents is that giving our kids a bit of alcohol helps them to handle it better when they’re older. However, a new survey of pupils aged 11-15 gives some food for thought - and suggests too many children are already seeing the ill effects of alcohol and risking their health.

Northumberland’s Public Health team talked with local parents about ‘alcohol before 18’

During Alcohol Awareness Week 2018, a public health team from Northumberland County Council travelled around the county to discuss with local parents ‘Alcohol before 18. What’s the harm?’.

Rebecca Brown from the team writes about this project and a key message it delivered.

Alcohol: What teenagers think

A group of North East secondary school pupils give their views on alcohol and young people. Here they talk about what they know about alcohol, the pressures they face and their advice for parents.

Sheffield University research shows sharp decline in youth drinking

According to new research, binge drinking is going out of fashion among young people.

Guidance on the Consumption of Alcohol by Children and Young People

The Chief Medical Officer for England’s guidance for on the consumption of alcohol by children and young people makes 5 key recommendations.