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As the holidays approach, there are not one but three studies on our alcohol consumption habits which draw up a common observation: not only is alcohol consumption still perceived as harmless in France, but above all a majority of French people thinks it is “acceptable” for a teenager to drink with them from the age of 14. With what risks?
At what age did you try a “coupette” of champagne or a glass of wine with your parents during the holidays? Early enough for many, and it’s not a habit from another era. Three studies and surveys from La Ligue contre le Cancer and the Addiction France association reminded us this weekend: in France, in 2023, it is not only extremely simple for a teenager to obtain alcohol, but in addition, sharing a drink with your child, during the holidays for example, is often accepted. Two facts which nevertheless have a harmful effect on the future health of the youngest.
A drink with the family at 14 years old on average
What we learn from two of these studies, one commissioned by the League against Cancer from OpinionWay, the other by BVA Xsight for Addiction France, is above all that alcohol has an almost cultural, well-anchored place. in our families despite existing prevention campaigns.
Thus 70% of French people would see no problem in letting underage teenagers consume alcohol during end-of-year holiday meals, and 30% even believe that it is possible to serve alcohol to adolescents under 15 years old according to The League Against Cancer. Same observation at Addiction France which notes that alcohol consumption by 15 to 17 year olds is considered “acceptable” in a family or festive context by 55% of French people, or more than one in two. And a child tries alcohol for the first time at the average age of 14.
“It is so anchored in French culture that ultimately it passes as an initiation rite in which families do not realize that it is not good for their children, and do not realize that consumption even in any small quantity, can have risks for the health of their own children”, regrets Marion Gasteau, Addiction France project manager.
Risks not sufficiently known and addressed
This acceptance of alcohol in a festive setting is also based on a lack of knowledge on the part of parents. Thus, The League Against Cancer reveals in its survey that for 44% of French people, drinking alcohol in front of their children has no effect on their future consumption. And giving your teenager a taste would have no consequences for 4 out of 10 adults.
One error however: “The earlier you drink alcohol, the greater the risk of dependence in adulthood” underlines Marion Gasteau.
“We must also remember that alcohol is a risk factor in 40% of preventable cancers (mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, or even colorectal). However, we talk a lot more about smoking and even junk food. When we talk about alcohol in France we lower our voices” adds Professor Daniel Nizri, president of La Ligue.
Finally, the two experts agree on a fact that is still too little known: the human brain is only mature around the age of 20-25. Regular or occasional consumption in large quantities is harmful at the moment, especially when learning is necessary.
Parental responsibility at stake
For Daniel Nizri, what is unthinkable today is to deny the responsibility for the exemplary nature of parents. “This does not mean that parents should not drink (reasonably), but what we should explain to our children is this concept of reasoned consumption. And as long as they are not old enough not to have cerebral difficulties, it is not for them. You have to dare to talk to your children, in most cases, when you put yourself on their level, they know how to talk and listen very well.”
Another way to really wish good “health” to your child.
Alcohol, too accessible to minors in 2023
The other information from Addiction France published today is the damning observation that reigns in France on the sale of alcohol to our minor children. Whether in bars, restaurants, and fast food outlets, age would absolutely not slow down the sale of alcohol. “Almost systematically, drinking establishments do not respect the law and sell alcohol to minors. This summer, in Nantes and in 6 other municipalities in Loire-Atlantique, Addictions France carried out test purchases in bars, cafes and fast-food restaurants: of the 42 establishments visited, all except one sold alcohol to minors”notes the association. Already in 2021, another study carried out in Loire Atlantique and Finstère on 364 supermarkets revealed that more than 90% had sold alcohol to minors. “We can clearly see that in 2 years the situation has not evolved at all, despite our various alerts”, Marion Gasteau is indignant. Here, again, alcohol would still be too trivialized.