BII hails alcohol awareness course

Presenting under-18s with direct, raw facts about the effects of alcohol is helping to change behaviour.

So says the BII after research showed that 71% of those who had taken its Award in Alcohol Awareness (AAA) said it had positively modified their behaviour in relation to alcohol.

Independent research among 16 and 17 year-olds who had taken the course showed:

• 95% of those surveyed said they drink and, of those, 17% drink to get drunk

• 89% agreed that the course raised awareness of the possible long-term effects of alcohol on the body

• 77% agreed that, if they choose to drink, they are now more likely to be a responsible drinker

• 64% agreed that, if they choose to drink, they are now less likely to binge drink

• 92% agreed that the course raised awareness of the dangers of drink-driving and drug-driving

• 71% said they will positively modify their behaviour in relation to alcohol

"No single initiative or approach will solve the country's alcohol related problems over night but this just proves that education of young people at the time that they first come into contact with alcohol is crucial in changing attitudes and modifying behaviour," said Cathie Smith, director of BIIAB.

"We believe that personal responsibility is paramount and if we can help to advise consumers so they make informed decisions then the future could look very different.

"We will be sharing details with local authorities in meetings we plan for February 2011."

The AAA also forms part of the BII Schools Project which is now being used in over 125 schools reaching more than 25,000 young people.