Children were more likely to drink with parents during the pandemic - with a lack of parental discouragement of alcohol the factor most associated with the likelihood of young people trying alcohol.
A new NHS Digital survey looking at drinking, smoking and drug taking among those aged 11 to 15 shows that generally this group of pupils are less likely to participate in these behaviours than previous generations. However, more young people are using e-cigarettes.
The survey found two-thirds (67%) of current drinkers - those who drink alcohol at least a few times a year - in 2021 usually drank with their parents. That was the highest proportion since the question was first asked in 1996, when 39% usually drank with their parents.
