Alcohol has long been a big concern for public health, especially alcohol use by children. Undoubtedly, alcohol negatively influences many aspects of life: firstly, health, education, and social relationships.
Current research of Sumnall et al. attempts to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a combined classroom curriculum and parental intervention on self-reported alcohol use and alcohol-related harms in Scotland. Researchers developed an “intervention program that aimed to encourage positive behavioral change in students, to reduce alcohol-related harm and help parents set rules about alcohol in the family,” which was implemented over the period of 33 months (Sumnall et al. 6).
Results showed the effectiveness of the program in reducing binge drinking, but not in reducing alcohol-related harms (Sumnall et al. 26). On the bright side, both teachers and students found the material in the curriculum useful and engaging. Researcher report the difficulty in attracting parents for involvement
This study is particularly relevant today because more and more young people consume alcohol without being aware of the consequences. Underage students are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of alcohol, which include neurological, cognitive, and social factors. Moreover, alcohol use and its consequences can be a key determinant of health and social inequalities (Jones et al.). This trend has a global impact on public health and leads them to horrible health conditions and life choices.
I think the research of this type would be especially useful in raising awareness about the alcoholism of young generations to all kinds of communities, for instance, political, socio-economical, and educational. It would have a direct impact on school students and endorse parents to get involved in covering this issue during the bringing up process.
Works Cited
Jones, Lisa, et al. “Understanding the Alcohol Harm Paradox.” Alcohol Research UK, vol.7, no. 122, 2015. Web.
Sumnall, Harry, et al. “Steps Towards Alcohol Misuse Prevention Programme (STAMPP): A School- and Community-Based Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial.” Public Health Research, vol. 5, no. 02, 2017, pp. 1-154