30.10.2024 - Young people believe that those who are allowed to taste alcohol at home during their teenage years develop a more relaxed attitude toward alcohol. At the same time, a majority think it's a bad idea for parents to serve alcohol at home before the age of 18. These are the findings of a new survey by IQ among over 1,000 young people aged 15–30.
“One of the most common questions I get from parents is whether it might be best to introduce their teenagers to alcohol in a controlled setting at home. There’s a widespread misconception that serving alcohol at home can teach children to handle it responsibly, although the opposite is true. Our survey shows that even teenagers agree with this,” says Mojtaba Ghodsi, CEO of IQ.
The study also shows that young people with close relationships with their parents tend to drink less than those with more distant relationships. They are also less likely to have seen their parents drunk and are better able to control their own drinking.
“Close relationships with parents seem to promote healthier attitudes toward alcohol among young people. Those without strong connections to their parents drink more frequently and experience greater anxiety about their drinking. These results underscore the critical role of attentive and involved parents in shaping young people's alcohol habits,” says Mojtaba Ghodsi.
Three out of four young people feel they are fairly or very close to their parents, and six out of ten think their parents are good role models regarding alcohol. Those who see their parents as poor role models tend to be more distant from them. Over time, family has also become increasingly important to young people. In 2023, four out of ten 15–24-year-olds reported that spending time with family was most important to them right now, compared to three out of ten in 2011.
“This closer relationship with parents is likely one reason behind young people's declining alcohol consumption over the past 20 years,” says Mojtaba Ghodsi.
This report, focusing on parents and alcohol, is the fourth installment in IQ’s “Intoxication & Youth” series.
Other key findings
Just over half (56 percent) of respondents have seen their parents drunk. Among 15–19-year-olds, this figure drops to 41 percent.
More than six out of ten (65 percent) of those close to their parents view them as good role models when it comes to alcohol. Among those who are more distant, only three out of ten (31 percent) consider their parents to be positive role models.
One in ten (10 percent) have avoided discussing their alcohol habits with their parents out of fear of disappointing them. Twelve percent prefer talking to friends instead.
About one in six (16 percent) believe their parents would be concerned if they knew how much alcohol they consumed.
For more details, see the attached report.
IQ's 5 tips for parents of teenagers
Show love and care. Children need love and support, regardless of age. Show your teenager that you’re there for them, and if you’re worried, explain why.
Take an interest and listen. A good relationship is built on trust. Show interest in your child’s thoughts and experiences, and take them seriously.
Remember, you’re a role model. Children listen to what adults say and observe what they do. Be mindful of the example you set, including with alcohol.
Be clear and set boundaries. Make your expectations known so your teenager understands your stance and what’s expected.
Don’t offer alcohol, buy it, or leave it accessible at home. Buying alcohol for teens is illegal, and teenagers who access alcohol at home tend to drink more than their peers.
About the survey
The survey forming the basis of "Intoxication & Youth" was conducted by Ungdomsbarometern via a digital questionnaire. The results are nationally representative for the 15–30 age group, based on gender and age. The sample was selected through Norstat’s randomly telephone-recruited national panel based on SPAR.
Data collection took place between April 19 and May 13, 2024, with 1,154 respondents.