Advice.. Ed
Balls
PARENTS are to get a Government guide book on
how to teach their kids to drink alcohol.
The move is part of a crackdown announced today on the
booze-binge crisis engulfing Britain’s youth.
The book will come alongside new penalties, including
jailing parents of drunk louts and giving criminal records to
youths who “persistently” drink in public.
The guidelines are planned to discourage parents from
giving booze to children as young as five, even though they can
legally do so.
Experts will advise on how much it is sensible for
youngsters to drink and how parents can supervise.
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and
Families said last night: “We need a culture change about drinking,
with everyone from parents, the alcohol industry and young people
all taking more responsibility.
“We need to fundamentally influence young people’s
behaviour and attitudes.”
The drive comes as a leaked report found the
Government’s ten-year strategy for tackling youth crime has
failed.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who is also behind the
crackdown, insisted she was going to get tough.
She said: “Groups of under18s drinking in public are an
all too familiar sight.
“This type of drinking increases youth antisocial
behaviour and crime, puts young people in vulnerable situations –
and I want to put a stop to it.”
Persistent underage boozers will get ASBOs and police
will have powers to disperse gangs of drinking youths.
Youngsters could ultimately be prosecuted. Parents may
have to attend courses if they fail to get children to change. They
could also be fined, sentenced to community service or even face
jail.
But last night critics branded the measures too
little, too late, and said criminalising kids was not the
answer.
Shadow Minister for Children Tim Loughton accused the
Government of 11 years of “inaction”. He said: “While Labour has
dithered, youth drinking has spiralled out of control.
“We are seeing soaring numbers of children admitted to
hospital for alcohol abuse, younger children are binge-drinking and
are bingeing on stronger drinks.”
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg added: “Once again
the Government is trying to create a great fanfare.
“We need less spin and more action.”
