Study finds peer pressure is key in teen drinking

Almost half of young people would not refuse alcohol if put under pressure by friends, new research has found.

A survey of some 300 ten to 17-year-olds carried out for youth organisation Foroige, revealed that peer pressure has a significant impact on young people's drinking habits.

While 46 per cent of young people surveyed would not refuse to alcohol if pressurised, a fifth did not know if they could say no to alcohol. Older teenagers were shown to be more influenced by peer pressure, with over half of 15 to 17-year-olds revealing that they did not have the confidence to say no to alcohol if under pressure in a social situation.

However the survey also revealed that a large percentage of teenagers take their first drink by the age of 14, as estimated by 42 per cent of those surveyed.

The drinking habits of parents are highly influential on how almost half of teenagers engage with alcohol, the survey revealed.

Strong relationships with friends and family were the top priority for three quarters of young people, thus reflecting the influence of peers and parents on behaviour. The other important issues identified by young people were good mental health, control of their lives, a safe environment, and social outlets.

Most young people were also concerned about bullying and intimidation, particularly among girls. Exclusion from group activities and "ganging up" on quieter children were a cause of great concern for over half of teenagers. However internet bullying and "happy slapping" was feared mainly among the pre-teen age group.

However most of the young people, in particular boys and older teenagers, believed the majority of their age group were not "as bad as everyone makes them out to be". For example seven out of ten teenagers have recently been involved in a community activity like being members of a youth club or picking up litter.

The research was published to coincide with the Permanent TSB Foroige Youth Citizenship awards which take place this evening. The awards by the national youth development organisation recognises citizenship projects by young people dealing with issues such as anti-social behaviour, positive mental health and road safety.

"In our experience in working with over 40,000 young people the actions of a few are not a reflection of all and the majority are a highly motivated and engaged members of the community who do make a difference" commented Sean Campbell, chief executive of Foroige.