IRISH TEENS 'FEEL PRESSURE FROM THEIR PALS TO DRINK' ..and they're boozing at 14.(News)

Byline: BY SARAH BARDON

MORE than half of Irish teens feel pressurised to drink, a survey revealed yesterday.

Research by youth group Foroige showed 56 per cent of teenagers aged 15 to 17 would say yes to alcohol if egged on by their friends.

Worryingly, 42 per cent of teens have taken their first drink by the age of 14.

Grainne Kenny, of Europe Against Drugs, said the figures were not surprising. She added: "Peer pressure is part of being young. Kids want to be accepted - how are they supposed to make an informed decision at 14? They don't have the sophistication to say no.

"There is nothing wrong with having a drink but there is a reason why you have to be 18 to drink in this country - kids drink for all the wrong reasons.

"They drink to get drunk - to build up the courage to chat up that guy or to be one of the lads - to let their inhibitions fly." Almost half of our youths say they are influenced by their parents' drinking patterns. But Ms Kenny claimed people need to stand up to their kids. She said: "Parents today want to be their child's friend. There is plenty of time to be their friend when they are adults.

"Now is the time to give them guidance and advice. Parents refuse to talk about alcohol with their kids because it means having to look at their own habits."

The survey also identified bullying and intimidation as a serious concern for youngsters. Internet bullying and happy slapping are feared by teens. Fifty-nine per cent of the respondents think they get bad press and said they are not as "bad as everyone makes them out to be".

Sean Campbell, chief executive of Foroige, said the research presents a "highly-compelling insight" into the lives of Irish teenagers.

He added: "These teens want to challenge negative stereotypical views often automatically labelled on young people.

"In our experience, the actions of a few are not a reflection of all and the majority are highly motivated and engaged members of the community who do make a difference."

CAPTION(S):

PEERS AND BEERS Teens drinking too early