15 December 2016

To better protect young people from alcohol harm, the Department of Health called for a briefing to announce enhancement of publicity and education that target parents, youth and the general public on 15 December.

Take home messages:

• Alcohol affects physical, social and mental development, in particular brain development in adolescence.
• Early initiation of drinking is associated with alcohol-related problems in adulthood.
• Adults, in particular parents, have key roles in stopping underage drinking thereby protecting young people from alcohol harm.
• Together, we should work for a "Young and Alcohol Free" society to protect the younger generation.

The Department of Health endeavours to step up of risk communication activities to strengthen public literacy to guard against harmful consequences of drinking. These include a territory-wide mass publicity campaign targeting at parents and the general public to raise awareness of harm of youth drinking, and to spread the important message “not to make young people drink”.

Watch the Announcement in the Public Interests

• Press release
• Presentation materials
• Photos of the event

DH Launch Ceremony and Press Conference for "Young and Alcohol Free" Campaign