Parental communication about alcohol consumption

Research suggests that good communication with children is an effective strategy in helping young people develop and sustain a healthy relationship with alcohol. However, there is a key gap in evidence and support for parents of older children to help them talk to their children about alcohol. The chapter will provide an overview of a large qualitative study conducted in the UK with 48 parents and 16 young people (15-17 years old), which aimed to address this gap by exploring conversations between parents and their children about alcohol. The chapter will primarily focus on the findings from the interviews with the 16 young people and will include discussion of perceived importance of parental influence; triggers to conversations about alcohol; topics conveyed during conversations; and effectiveness of these conversations. Recommendations to help parents communicate with their older children about alcohol will also be discussed.