Teenagers: Parents' drinking affects us

A survey published today shows how young people feel about their parents' drinking habits.

The study from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children shows one in 10 teenagers believes it affects their own lives in a "hugely negative way".

The National Children's Consultation Survey shows young people are far more accepting of people their age drinking too much than their own parents.

One in five teens believes its ok for young people to drink five or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting, but that figure drops to just 9% when asked about whether adults should be doing it.

Some young people described their upset at seeing their parents drunk and being out of control.

79% of those questioned believe parents should not drink alcohol and become drunk in front of their children.

The ISPCC said the results showed the "untold damage" being done to young people as a consequence of some parents' drinking habits.