Calling time on youth binge drinking

By: Kristina Gray

Communications Assistant

Monday 16 June 2014

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Excessive alcohol consumption is something that is a growing concern, especially with university students as they’re usually young people who have just left home to move to another city where they want to explore and have fun with their peers.

Universities around the country have signed up to an Alcohol Impact pilot scheme. The initiative aims to inform students about the effects of alcohol and how to drink responsibly. The outcome is that students will be encouraged to be sensible when drinking, especially during freshers week, and also to help cut alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder. The universities who are taking part in this scheme must be seen to be preventing alcohol fuelled events, such as initiations for new students and activities within societies.

Crime Prevention minister Norman Baker said: “Binge drinking at universities is nothing new, but that doesn’t mean it is a good idea. Some students find themselves encouraged to participate in alcohol-fuelled activities which can damage health and in some cases spill over into disorder and anti-social behaviour.

“The NUS Alcohol Impact project will help participating universities to encourage responsible drinking leading to safer and more productive places to study and live. Accreditation should become a badge of honour for universities and another factor which helps promote their world class teaching and research to prospective domestic and international students.”

NUS vice-president for welfare Colum McGuire said he hoped the project would change attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol and create “a social norm of responsible consumption”.

NCFE’s awareness qualifications are a great way to help inform and prepare learners for university and life after education. The suite includes Alcohol Awareness, Personal Safety Awareness and Substance Misuse Awareness.

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Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

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