Chief Medical Officer Highlights Risks Of Under-Age Drinking

Drinking alcohol can cause real harm and can lead to lots of unwanted consequences, the Northern Chief Medical Officer has said.

In his annual report for 2007, Dr. Michael McBride highlights the problem of under-age drinking and asks are we all to blame for the rise of the so called blue bag generation: "Young people are growing up in a modern, complex world. They are exposed to television and adverts glamorising alcohol. And they watch adults speak about alcohol and they notice how adults behave when they drink too much.

"We all have a responsibility to ensure that young people know the facts about alcohol and the consequences it can have.

"We are all quick to point the finger at others, the places where young people can buy alcohol even though they are under-age, at people who buy alcohol for young people, at the police and at parents - at everyone except ourselves.

"Research has shown that by the age of 16, four out of five teenagers have had a drink. We need to help young people learn about alcohol and to know how to drink safely and sensibly."

The annual report highlights the importance of getting children involved in taking exercise, the introduction of the vaccine for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is known to case cervical cancer and how to deal with medical emergencies such as meningitis and nut allergies.

Dr McBride also focuses on the importance of good mental health: "Our suicide rates remain above the UK average. The 'Lifeline' crisis response telephone helpline has been set up. It is a free counselling service available 24 hours a day to anyone regardless of age across Northern Ireland who are in crisis or at risk of suicide. The number to call is 0808 808 8000. 'Lifeline' is staffed by trained counsellors who can provide immediate help over the phone line or refer people to other appropriate services."

The Chief Medical Officer reflected on the introduction of the smoking ban in Northern Ireland: "This was a very positive step to help people quit smoking. In the last twelve months over 19,000 people set a 'quit date'. This is very good news and will make a major contribution to reducing the number of premature deaths from heart disease and cancer. Smoking is the greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death.

"Almost 80% of adult smokers here say they started smoking when they were teenagers. That is why it is so important to discourage young people from smoking."