Burden, P. Hurd pledges action on ‘stupid drinkers: Rowdyism has created a sense of menace and fear in our towns.’ (1989, January 17). London Daily Mail, p. 2.

OVERVIEW

British Home Secretary, Douglas Hurd, had some pointed statements about youthful drinking as he spoke to a conference at Kingston, Surrey.

I am not clear why we drink less but get more drunk than Europeans. But the consequences are plain enough.

One potent influence towards crime is undoubtedly stupid drinking. No one who works around the centres of many towns and cities in the late evening can have any doubt about the influence of excessive drinking on rowdyism and violence or the sense of fear and menace that it creates.

Sensible social drinking provides a great deal of pleasure and causes no harm to the individual or others. But alcohol, if misused, can inflict great damages. It is stupid drinking I am concerned with.

Studies in the United Kingdom indicate:

• Nearly 80% of pupils age thirteen drink alcohol at home.
• By age seventeen, most youth are drinking in pubs and clubs.
• There is a progressive link between early drinking at home and drinking in pubs.
• Drinking has become more of a problem than drugs among school children.
• Widespread drinking at home by teens is associated with explosions of violence.

Vandalism and rioting have caused many pubs to refuse service of alcoholic drinks to anyone under twenty-one years of age. This age limit has also been suggested for new legislation.

IMPLICATIONS

1. Alcohol abuse is a worldwide youth problem. This brief article presents important facts and principles to young people and adult leaders.
2. This article suggests how "employers, unions, entertainments and leisure industries, doctors and church leaders together with all local agencies" are asked to join a major offensive against teenage drinking and violence. Strategies against this problem must be holistic and comprehensive.
3. Looking at youth problems in another culture is often a good approach for open discussion among teenagers. American and African youth, for example, can be asked to comment on drinking
4. problems of young people in the United Kingdom. In such discussions, they are able to think more deeply and objectively about solutions to youthful excesses.
5. Young people are the most effective helpers of their friends. Leaders of youth, therefore, must be skilled in helping young people to help others.