Statistics on Youth and Alcohol in Bermuda

Statistics on Youth and Alcohol in Bermuda

Bermuda Youth and Alcohol Statistics:

2012 Survey of Students Knowledge and Attitudes of Drugs and Health

Where 2,060 9 to 11 year olds were surveyed:

Average age for first trying alcohol, even a sip, but not including wine at church, 8 years old

% of 9 year olds who had tried alcohol, even a sip, but not including wine at church, 17.4%

% of 10 year olds who had tried alcohol, even a sip, but not including wine at church, 25.3%

% of 11 year olds who had tried alcohol, even a sip, but not including wine at church, 33%

2011 Youth Survey:

Where 3,200 10 to 18 year olds were surveyed:

Average age for first trying alcohol 12 years old

% of 13 year olds who had tried alcohol 24.5%

% of 14 year olds who had tried alcohol 41%

% of 15 year olds who had tried alcohol 52.5%

2007 Youth Survey:

Where 3,000 12 to 18 year olds were surveyed:

Average age for first trying alcohol 12 years old

Average age for drinking alcohol regularly 14 years old

% of 13 year olds who had tried alcohol 38%

% of 14 year olds who had tried alcohol 58%

% of 15 year olds who had tried alcohol 70%

2003 Youth Survey:

Average age for first trying alcohol 12 years old

Average age for drinking alcohol regularly 14 years old

% of 13 year olds who had tried alcohol 34%

% of 14 year olds who had tried alcohol 44%

% of 15 year olds who had tried alcohol 59%

Adults make the difference, stop underage drinking.

While these figures are troubling, there are some promising downward trends, please see below:

In the 2011 survey 3,182 10 to 18 year olds from 7 public schools, 6 private schools and 16 home schools were surveyed and the percentage who reported that they had tried alcohol showed a decrease compared to 2007. In the 2007 survey, of those surveyed, 67% said they had tried alcohol. In the 2011 survey, 55% said they had tried alcohol. This is a good, downward trend.

Also, in the 2011 survey the percentage of youth who reported current, past 30-day, alcohol use, decreased compared to 2007. In the 2007 survey, of those surveyed, 37% reported they were currently using alcohol. In the 2011 survey, 19% reported they were currently using alcohol. Another promising downward trend.

To see how to talk with children about alcohol click here

It is proven, that those who begin drinking before the age of 15, are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence (alcoholism) than those who wait until the age of 21. Each additional year of delayed drinking onset reduces the probability of developing alcoholism by 14%.

The younger a person is when they begin consuming alcohol, the more likely they are to grow up to be addicted to alcohol.

To see how to talk with Teenagers about alcohol click here

Adults make the difference, stop underage drinking. Do not give, buy or serve alcohol to young people under the age of 18.

There is no age limit on alcoholism. There are many teenage alcoholics. Teens who drink are at particularly great risk of becoming alcoholic, since the disease develops much more rapidly in young people than in adults.

The younger a person is when they begin consuming alcohol, the more likely they are to develop alcohol dependence (alcoholism).

Adults make the difference, stop underage drinking. Model responsible alcohol behavior infront of young people.

To see how to talk with children about alcohol click here

Adults make the difference, stop underage drinking. Don’t keep alcohol in your house, or lock it up.

To see how to talk with Teenagers about alcohol click here

Children who live with alcoholics are at a higher risk for developing alcoholism. When asked if they had family members with alcohol or drug problems, 40% of the 3,000 students surveyed in 2007 said they did.

To look at trends, here are the 2011 survey results compared to the 2007 and the 2003 survey results. In these surveys, more than 3,000 13 to 18 year old students were surveyed:

2011 Youth Survey:

Where 3,200 10 to 18 year olds were surveyed:

Average age for first trying alcohol 12 years old

% of 13 year olds who had tried alcohol 24.5%

% of 14 year olds who had tried alcohol 41%

% of 15 year olds who had tried alcohol 52.5%

2007 Youth Survey:

Where 3,000 12 to 18 year olds were surveyed:

Average age for first trying alcohol 12 years old

Average age for drinking alcohol regularly 14 years old

% of 13 year olds who had tried alcohol 38%

% of 14 year olds who had tried alcohol 58%

% of 15 year olds who had tried alcohol 70%

2003 Youth Survey:

Average age for first trying alcohol 12 years old

Average age for drinking alcohol regularly 14 years old

% of 13 year olds who had tried alcohol 34%

% of 14 year olds who had tried alcohol 44%

% of 15 year olds who had tried alcohol 59%

Adults make the difference, stop underage drinking. Begin talking with your children when they are 7,8 and 9 years old, about why alcohol is harmful for them. To see how to talk with them click here.

To view more statistics on alcohol use among Bermuda’s youth, view pages 52 to 54 of The Bermuda Health Council 2011 Health in Review survey