Statistics





The ‘Social Norms’ model which aims to challenge the perceptions of young people by feeding back the reality of the research.

The model:  Encourages us to view youth drinking from a new lens  Takes account of social factors & embraces notion of cultural, not individual change  Recognises the positive impact of peer groups  Recognises healthy & protective behaviours are already present in most youth populations  Isn’t based on ‘deficit model’ - focus is on assets, strengths & positive contributions of young people  Aims to identify & correct misperceptions to increase support & safety in the social environment  Acknowledges that young people can & do make healthy choices

Why should young people avoid alcohol?

- **Risk of injury & self harm** “Drinking contributes to the 3 leading causes of death amongst adolescents – unintentional injuries, homicide & suicide (Stephens 2006, Miller et al 2007)” – NHMRC 2009, p. 58

- **Mental Health** Drinking alcohol raises the risk of developing mental health and social problems, especially when a person starts drinking at a young age.

- **Effect on Brain Development** During adolescence the brain continues to develop & undergoes many changes. There is emerging evidence that drinking alcohol may damage the developing brain.

- **Age young people start to drink** The younger a person starts drinking the more likely they are to drink more frequently and at larger amounts throughout adolescence, which could to immediate and long term alcohol-related harms.