New research from Flinders University is shedding light on parental attitudes and beliefs about supplying alcohol to their underage children, highlighting concerning trends and opportunities for intervention.
Understanding parental influence on adolescent drinking
The study, published in Health Promotion International, surveyed 1197 Australian parents with children aged 12-17 years, to examine motivations and perceptions around adolescent alcohol consumption.
It also explored the concept of a ‘social clock’, where certain behaviours like drinking are considered acceptable at universally agreed-upon ages.
Lead author Professor Jacqueline Bowden, Director of the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) at Flinders University, says the study aimed to understand parental influence on adolescent drinking.
“Alcohol is the leading individual risk factor for death and disability in 15–24-year-olds globally,” she said.
“Inadvertently, parents are playing a key role in this burden as the most common source of alcohol for Australian adolescents who drink.
“Parents often have the mistaken belief that it is a safe way to teach ‘responsible drinking’, but evidence shows that parental supply actually increases the chance of risky drinking.
“The good news is that parents can be part of the solution — they are the greatest resource we have, and we must listen to their experiences and work together to foster healthier attitudes toward youth drinking.”
Worrying findings
The study revealed that more than 40% of parents nominated an acceptable drinking age of 17 years or younger, despite national guidelines recommending 18 years or older.
It also identified a disconnect between parental perceptions of their own behaviours and broader community norms.
“Only 11% admitted to supplying alcohol for unsupervised use, despite 45% believing this practice was common among their peers,” Professor Bowden said.
Key findings from the study include:
- Parents are more like to supply alcohol if they believe other parents do.
- Accepting underage drinking increases the odds of supplying alcohol.
- Viewing alcohol as harmful reduces the likelihood of supply.
- Viewing alcohol as beneficial increases the likelihood of supply.
Valuable insights for possible interventions
Co-author Dr Ashlea Bartram says the research provides valuable insights into how interventions might address these findings.
“The good news is that more and more teens are choosing not to drink alcohol — it’s not the social lubricant it may have been when their parents were teenagers,” she said.
“One of the best things parents can do is have open conversations with their children about alcohol — set rules but be prepared to discuss them.”
The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to challenge misconceptions and educate parents on the risks of early alcohol exposure.
The study also highlights the role of peer influence, showing that parental beliefs about community norms significantly affect their decisions.
For support or advice on alcohol-related concerns, contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
