UK teenagers turning to alcohol to relieve boredom

British teenagers are turning to alcohol to relieve boredom according to a new survey launched this week by alcohol charity Drinkaware. Nearly one in 10 young people aged 16 and 17 (8 per cent) drink at least once a week simply because they are bored*.

With the school summer holidays in full swing and half of teenagers (51 per cent) reporting they get bored in the holidays, Drinkaware is warning that drinking among young people is likely to increase.

To combat boredom over the summer and remind teenagers they can have fun without drinking alcohol, Drinkaware has launched ‘The Ultimate Day’ competition, setting young people a challenge to creatively demonstrate their ideal day without alcohol. For five lucky winners, their ultimate day will become a reality.

The Drinkaware research of 16 and 17 year olds also shows that:

• Three fifths (61%) will be drinking alcohol in the summer holidays;
• Given £20 per week to spend, more than one in 10 (13 per cent) said they would be more likely to spend the money on alcohol and partying than shopping, entertainment or transport;
• Nearly one third of young people (29 per cent) have drunk alcohol out of boredom.

Chris Sorek, Chief Executive of Drinkaware, says: “Research shows that young people drink when they’re bored and over the summer holidays this is likely to increase. There are plenty of free activities young people can do over the summer to keep entertained, including playing sport, volunteering or being part of the audience of their favourite TV show.

“Over the holidays and throughout the year it’s really important that 16 and 17 year olds don’t unintentionally put themselves at risk when they drink alcohol. Drinking can increase the chances of either being the victim or a perpetrator of a crime and having unprotected sex leading to sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. If young people are drinking they should eat something beforehand, space their alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, look after their mates and if they’re out, plan how they’re going to get home.

“The Ultimate Day competition helps remind young people that you don’t need to have alcohol to have fun. Applications will be judged on their creativity so instead of drinking when they’re bored over the holidays, young people can spend time working on their competition entries.”

Young people can take part in ‘The Ultimate Day’ competition by uploading entries to theultimateday.co.uk and visitors to the site can vote for their favourite entries. The top voted for entries will be judged by a panel including a young person under 18 and Drinkaware representatives. The closing date for the competition is 31st August and terms and conditions will apply. Winners will be announced in September.

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.