Drinking among Teenagers in Australia: Research Findings, Problems and Prospects*

Studies of Australian teenagers' drinking patterns, beliefs and attitudes toward the use of beverage alcohol are reviewed and discussed. In a culture where alcohol use is widespread and acceptable, young Australians are exposed to drinking as a normative behaviour early in their lives. Most learn to drink without associated problems. There are, however, increasing numbers of young people still at school who report drinking on a daily basis and who regularly become intoxicated. In attempting to promote responsible drinking behaviour, researchers and educators must be aware of strong sociocultural supports for heavy drinking. Greater understanding of cultural norms and expectations about drinking is considered essential for the design and implementation of programs aimed at preventing teenage alcohol abuse.