Jim Shannon – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2014-07-15.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to encourage parents to prevent the consumption of alcohol by children; and what steps are being taken by schools to assist this prevention work.

Jane Ellison

The Government’s Alcohol Strategy set out several measures to support our commitment to reducing underage drinking. These include educating young people on the risks associated with alcohol and by addressing factors that can influence young people’s attitude to alcohol, such as parental drinking. We are ensuring that guidance is available for parents through a range of public and community organisations including; NHS Choices, Directgov, Family Lives, and NetMum, Mumsnet, Dad Talk and Contact a Family.

Following the Government’s review of Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education in March 2013, the Department for Education launched an evidence-based alcohol and drugs information service for those working with young people, which provides practical advice and tools based on the best international evidence.