Key findings in the report

　　Recent studies have demonstrated detrimental effects of early drinking on auto gas springs manufacturers brain development that are associated with, for example, leaing difficulties. In addition, more efforts are needed, particularly in countries where the rate of change has been slow. “Young people are regular drinkers at an age where they should not be drinking at all.Over time gender differences for weekly drinking have converged in northe Europe, with girls and boys now reporting similar levels..Around 1 in 10 adolescents reported first being drunk at age 13 or younger (7% of girls and 9% of boys) in 2014.Adolescent drinking, what are the risks?Drinking during adolescence, including early initiation, frequent consumption and drunkenness, impacts psychological, social and physical health. This has more than halved since 2002 (from 17% to 8%), with declines among both boys and girls, although in most countries the decline was greatest in boys.

　　Although the WHO European Region has already reached the target of a 10% reduction as set out in the noncommunicable disease framework for 2025, much more can be achieved to prevent the devastating impact of alcohol on premature death and disability,” said Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe. This makes it clear that change is possible; however, more should be done to ensure that adolescents are effectively protected from the harms caused by alcohol”. Wider gender divides persist in central-easte and southe Europe, where prevalence for boys is currently around twice that of girls.

　　The trend analysis uses data collected during four rounds of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, conducted in 2002–2014. Alcohol is an important risk factor for fatal and nonfatal injuries, accidents, suicide attempts and use of other substances, and is linked to unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, poor academic outcomes and violence. Research has also shown that delaying the age at which young people take their first drink lowers their risk of becoming problem drinkers later in life.Continued policy action neededThe dramatic shift in prevalence of regular and risky drinking in northe European countries demonstrates that concerted efforts at national and regional levels can have a big impact on drinking behaviour.Key findings in the reportThe research, led by the University of St Andrews, documents the drinking habits of European adolescents in 36 countries.

　　These include: increasing alcohol prices, restricting alcohol availability, and comprehensive advertising, promotion and sponsorship bans. The report reveals that alcohol use has declined among adolescents in Europe.Dr Jo Inchley, lead editor of the report, said “Overall reductions in harmful drinking have been greatest in countries that traditionally have had higher prevalence, such as Great Britain and the Nordic region.Over 1 in 10 adolescents in the Region were regular weekly drinkers by the age of 15 (9% of girls and 16% of boys) in 2014.Alcohol consumption during adolescence is also associated with functional and structural changes in the brain that persist into adulthood. However, despite the reductions, levels of consumption remain dangerously high and this continues to be a major public health conce