The Scottish Government has published the latest data on trends in alcohol consumption among adolescents aged 13 and 15 years as a part of the 2018 Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS).
Key findings from the report are as follows:
- Thirty-six per cent of 13-year olds and 71 per cent of 15-year olds have ever consumed an alcoholic drink.
- Six per cent of 13-year olds and 20 per cent of 15-year olds had consumed alcohol in the seven days before completing the survey.
- Fifty-three per cent of 13-year olds and 70 per cent of 15-year olds who had ever had alcohol, had been drunk at least once.
- Among 15-year olds, the mean age of having the first drink was 13.3 years.
- For both age groups, the most common drinking location was their own home.
- Fifty-two per cent of 13-year olds and 63 per cent of 15-year olds who had ever had a drink had experienced ≥1 negative effect from drinking alcohol in the last year, the most common negative consequence being doing something they regretted or vomiting.
- Among both age groups, the most common source of getting alcohol was their home, a friend or a relative.
- Fifty-one per cent of 13-year olds and 79 per cent of 15-year olds thought it was 'ok' for someone their age to try alcohol.
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