`There’s ‘no safe amount` of alcohol for teens`

Even moderate amounts can lead to alcohol abuse or promote risky sexual behaviour in teens.

Melbourne, April 13: Researchers from Murdoch Children`s Research Institute in Melbourne have revealed that there is no safe level of drinking for teenagers, as even moderate amounts could lead to alcohol abuse or promote risky sexual behaviour.According to the Fairfax newspapers, the new study casts doubt on national guidelines that suggest there is a "low risk" level of drinking for under-18s.

Experts have urged to move away from "harm minimisation" approach to teenage drinking, and appeal to initiate a campaign to raise the legal drinking age, reports a website. The research involving 1520 young people`s drinking habits from the mid-teens, showed no "safe" or "sensible" level of drinking for adolescents. The official guidelines from the National Health and Medical Research Council define a "low risk" level of drinking for adults as fewer than three standard drinks a day. However, the new study has shown that even at this level, teenagers increased their chances of alcohol abuse, social or legal problems, or alcohol-related high-risk sexual behaviours 10 years later. ANI