Advice for under 18s about alcohol, your health and the law.
Why Let Drink Decide?
Do you really know what the effects of drinking alcohol are? It might give you a bit of a confidence boost, and can be fun, but sometimes it can make you do things you do not want to do and put you in situations you do not really want to be in.
Play Spin the Bottle on Facebook
Go to the DCSF Why Let Drink Decide? website for teenagers to find out more and play the Spin the Bottle game with your friends on Facebook. You can also watch the Alcohol - It's No Joke video and cinema ad.
Why Let Drink Decide? - if you are going to have the occasional drink, you need to know what you are doing and keep your wits about you. Drinking too much can leave you vulnerable. Make sure you are always in control because, whatever happens, it is you that has to live with the consequences.
Talk about Alcohol - for Children Aged 11-16
Talk about Alcohol is an interactive website for children aged 11-16, with lots of information about alcohol, the law and how drinking affects your health, to help you to make your own decisions.
It has online quizzes to test your personality and knowledge, and the Challenge Zone with two challenges for you to try out:
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Think for Yourself - Do you know your own mind, or would you rather fit in and follow on?
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Can You Get Home - Come along to a virtual party and meet the guests. What happens when they have had a drink or two - can they get home afterwards?
It is up to you to make a sensible choice, and remember you do not have to drink alcohol to enjoy yourself and have a good time.
For 24 hour free confidential help and advice about drink and drugs, Talk to FRANK. Freephone 0800 77 66 00, email: frank@talktofrank.com or visit FRANK online.
Under 18s and the Law
In general it is illegal for someone under the age of 18 to buy or be sold alcohol in the UK.
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Under 18s are not allowed to buy alcohol from a shop, supermarket or off licence, or from the bar area of a pub
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Adults are not allowed to buy alcohol on behalf of under 18s to drink in a bar
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Police have powers to confiscate alcohol from under 18s drinking in public spaces - in the street or in places such as parks
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It is illegal for children under five to drink alcohol
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Children 5 years old or over can drink alcohol at home if supervised by an adult
