Government Initiatives
The Department of Health has tasked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) with developing guidance for public health interventions on alcohol for schools. In 2005, around 22% of 11 – 15 year olds in England had drunk alcohol in the previous week. They consumed an average of 10.5 units – an increase from 5.3 units in 1990.
This first consultation will define the primary outcomes of the guidance which, at the moment, are:
-
a reduction in the percentage of children and young people who drink alcohol
-
a reduction in the amount of alcohol children or young people drink
-
an increase in the age when children first start drinking alcohol.
Secondary outcomes are:
-
quality of drug/alcohol lessons (as determined by Ofsted)
-
the proportion of pupils who recall having received lessons about alcohol
-
reduction in alcohol – related consequences/harm
- changes in risk or protective factors which are likely to affect a young person’s propensity to misuse alcohol, including their knowledge and attitude towards alcohol misuse, and school attendance
-
good physical, mental, emotional and sexual health and adoption of a healthy lifestyle
-
reduction in prosecutions, anti-social or offending behaviour
-
reduction in illegal purchases of alcohol
-
reduction in alcohol – related hospitalisation.
All these outcomes are subject to consultation with various stakeholders.
