Learning to drink responsibly does not exist

Some time ago you heard the 'NIX18=Not for nothing' commercials everywhere. None other than neuropsychologist Erik Scherder explained why it is important for teenagers not to drink alcohol until at least the age of eighteen. Central to this is the misconception 'that it is better to teach children to drink in order to teach them how to deal with alcohol'.

'Rather under my own roof, than with someone else or on the street'. Many parents believe that this way they can control and regulate their child's alcohol use. But nothing is less true. Bringing children into contact with alcohol at a young age ensures that they also drink outside the home more often and it increases the risk of addiction later in life.

In addition, drinking alcohol at a young age, while the brain is still developing, is harmful to that same brain. So a few sips of champagne at festive times, a small beer at the campsite or half a Bacardi cola is never a good idea.

4 out of 10 parents let children drink alcohol

During special occasions, at youth campsites, neighborhood parties… 4 out of 10 parents allow their child to drink alcohol. And that is a considerable amount when you consider that 8 out of 10 parents know that alcohol inhibits brain development and 6 out of 10 parents are also aware that drinking at a younger age increases the risk of problematic use later in life . Source: metronieuws.nl.