Health chiefs are uring parents to set an example to children by adopting sensible drinking habits.
The NHS Central Lancashire and Lancashire Drug Alcohol Action Team say that Alcohol Awareness Week 2010 is a good time for us to take stock of the effect alcohol consumption has on our children.
Maggi Morris, NHS Central Lancashire director of public health, said: "Parents need to understand that the way they drink alcohol can impact on how their children drink alcohol.
"As parents, carers, family and friends we need to take some responsibility for this. They also need to know where to find help and advice for their child if they are concerned about their drinking.
"Nowadays alcohol has a major influence on young people across central Lancashire. Alarmingly, young people are being admitted to hospital with serious health problems caused by their drinking including liver damage and mental health problems.
"It really came home to me recently when I met a distressed and disorientated 14-year-old girl on a hospital ward for alcohol abuse.
"An alcohol-free childhood is the best childhood. However, if young people do drink alcohol it should not be until they are 15 years old and it should only be with the guidance of a parent or carer and in a supervised environment such as a family meal. What’s more, it’s important that you know what your child is drinking and how much they are drinking."
The Public Health Observatory figures for last year show that more than 4,000 young people were admitted to hospitals in the north west because of alcohol.
Trevor Landry, project manager from Young Addaction (national charity to support people under 21 with drug or alcohol issues), said: "The figures are of real concern, but we are directly tackling the issue. We see the problems caused by excessive drinking on a daily basis and we are doing our best to deal with this.
"Our professional staff work throughout central Lancashire with local hospitals and other community groups, to make sure that these young people get the treatment and advice they need to stop taking risks with their health.
"The charity is also working with local communities who may have reported problems with underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.
"If someone is concerned about their own, or another young person's drinking, we can help. We provide confidential advice and support for parents, families and the young people themselves.
"All you have to do is drop in and see us at the Urban Exchange on Mount Street in Preston or give us a call on 01772 255307."
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