Young people and alcohol

Abstract

The study was initiated to investigate behaviour and attitudes towards alcohol amongst young people. The use and abuse of alcohol in different societies was examined generally, and more specifically in New Zealand society where ambivalence exists over the subject of alcohol. The literature pertaining to alcohol and young people was reviewed. Three general hypothesis were formulated exploring the general concept that attitudes and behaviour relating to alcohol are produced by society and that young people will display these similar behaviours and attitudes. The results show that young people reflected the New Zealand adult drinking behaviour, displaying a range of behaviour from abstinence through to heavy drinking. Important influences in forming the behaviour and attitudes are the family and the peer group. Results were obtained by administering a questionnaire to a small group of high-school students.