A recent review of 70
studies on alcohol education programmes targeted toward
young people (15-24 years) has shown they can positively
change alcohol-related behaviours, attitudes, and knowledge.
Key attributes of high-quality programmes include culturally
and context-sensitive content, information about peer
behaviours and social norms, taking an interactive approach,
providing targeted age-appropriate information, and skills
training to build resilience.
“The research shows
58% of the alcohol education programmes evaluated resulted
in positive behaviour changes, and a further 17% impacted
attitudes and/or knowledge. We know good education works –
so it’s pleasing to see further research that supports the
basic principle that education can make a difference toward
reducing alcohol-related harm in young people and
encouraging more responsible drinking behaviours in
adults,” said NZ Alcohol Beverages Council Executive
Director Bridget MacDonald.
“This aligns with
industry research that shows 75% of Kiwis agree that
targeted education and support programmes are the best way
to reduce harmful drinking. Education has to role to play in
supporting the generational shifts we see in better
behaviours and attitudes toward alcohol,” says
Bridget.
“Industry research also shows 88% of New
Zealanders support alcohol education programmes in schools.
This is why the industry supports the ‘Smashed’
theatre-in-schools education programme delivered by Life
Education Trust, which aims to delay drinking in young
people. Teenagers’ brains are still developing, so it’s
best to delay introducing teens to alcohol for as long as
possible. The programme uses interactive workshops to equip
Year 9 students with the skills they need to resist peer
pressure to drink alcohol and provides information so they
can make informed and better decisions around alcohol and
ideally not drink until they are adults,” says
Bridget.
Bridget says the Smashed programme also shows
that targeted education messaging can influence behaviours.
Since 2019, over 35,000 students have engaged with the
programme. As a result, research in 2019 showed 91% said
they are less likely to drink alcohol before they turn 18
years old, and 84% said they felt better equipped to make
the right choices about drinking alcohol. In its third year,
Smashed provides a safe space for teens to explore relatable
real-life issues and talk about peer pressure and alcohol,
with 85% saying the programme was a good way to learn about
the dangers of underage drinking.
“We also know
parents are the biggest influence on a teen’s decisions
and behaviours relating to alcohol. Cheers.org.nz
is a good place for parents to find tips on how to have
conversations about alcohol with their teens and how adults
can be a good role model by drinking responsibly,” says
Bridget.
“We are seeing the momentum for change in
behaviours and attitudes toward alcohol in New Zealand
through positive trends such as fewer younger people
drinking, a general decline in hazardous drinking, overall
consumption decreasing, and we consume less alcohol per
capita than the OECD average. Kiwis are more mindful in
choosing more no- and low-alcohol drinks to suit their
lifestyle or social situation,” Bridget says.
“We
all have a part to play in reducing alcohol-related harm,
and we need to take a pragmatic approach. Targeted education
programmes are sensible solutions to helping educate young
people on alcohol-related harm and encouraging adults to
make better decisions around drinking. We also need targeted
support initiatives to assist those who need it,” says
Bridget.
