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When will my child start to learn about alcohol?

Your child will start alcohol education in primary school. The idea is that they should know the facts about alcohol before they have any experience of it themselves. Their education about alcohol will continue into secondary school.

Alcohol education will always be appropriate to the age, understanding and maturity of your child. Relevant issues and topics will be introduced as they get older.

Your child’s school decides when to introduce the different stages of alcohol education. However, you should be given the opportunity to have a say in this.

Alcohol education for 5 to 7 year olds

Your child will not learn anything about alcohol misuse until they are seven. Before then, they will be taught how to be safe with medicines and household substances. They will also learn the basic skills for making healthy choices and following safety rules.

This should prepare them for any later experience of the harmful effects of alcohol.

Alcohol education for 7 to 11 year olds

In their last years at primary school, your child will learn about the damaging effects of alcohol on health and other risks involved with it. They will learn basic skills for making good choices about their health, and recognising and managing risky situations.

All this should help them to resist peer pressure when necessary, and to take more responsibility for their actions.

Alcohol education for 11 to 14 year olds

When your child enters secondary school, they will learn more about the effects and risks of alcohol. They will continue to develop their skills in managing risks, resisting pressures and making healthy choices. They will also learn about the laws relating to alcohol and where people can go for alcohol-related help and advice.

Alcohol education for 14 to 16 year olds

As your teenager nears the end of their time at secondary school, they will learn about the effects of alcohol misuse on family, friends, the local community and wider society. They will also be encouraged to form their own opinions through discussion and debate.

Support for children and young people affected by alcohol misuse

Children are not just educated about alcohol at school - they are also offered support if they need it. Schools will look out for pupils who are affected by alcohol misuse, or those who may be vulnerable to it. They will also go on to help and support these children, either in the school itself or through links with other local children's services.

Useful links

• Your child's welfare at school

• Understanding the National Curriculum