Parents Share Their Views on Alcohol Use Among Young People in West Maas en Waal

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To gain insight into how parents feel about alcohol use among young people, the municipality West Maas en Waal asked West Maas en Waal to fill out a questionnaire.

What do parents think about alcohol use among young people? To gain insight into this, the municipality West Maas en Waal distributed West Maas en Waal questionnaire to parents of young people between the ages of 12 and 18. The survey was prompted by concerns about the high number of young people who are already drinking alcohol before they turn 18. Using the results, the municipality aims to work with parents and other partners to create an environment where young people can grow up healthy and safe—without alcohol or other substances.

Working Together to Ensure a Healthy Youth

The municipality West Maas en Waal young people to grow up healthy and safe. That is why the municipality is working with the “Growing Up in a Promising Environment” (OKO) program. A key goal is to prevent alcohol, drug, and tobacco use among young people. The municipality is working on this together with schools, sports clubs, parents, and other stakeholders.
Figures from the GGD show that 42% of young people in West Maas en Waal have West Maas en Waal consumed alcohol before turning 18. That is higher than the average in South Gelderland (32%). Young people mainly drink at home, at friends’ houses, or in a shed. This is reason enough for the municipality to take action.

Parent Survey: What Do They Think About Alcohol?

From February 17 to March 17, 2025, parents of young people aged 12 to 18 were invited to complete a questionnaire about alcohol use. A total of 904 parents received an invitation, and 131 completed the questionnaire.
Some notable results:

  • Of the young people who drank alcohol, 78% did so with their parents' permission.
  • Girls are more likely to drink with permission than boys.
  • Many parents talk to their children about alcohol, especially as they get older.
  • At the same time, many parents also have a drink now and then in front of their children.
  • Most parents think this can't hurt.
  • According to parents, peer pressure also plays a role among young people—and among themselves.

The conclusion: in many families, drinking alcohol is considered normal, especially at parties at home or in the clubhouse. Parents are most opposed to drinking in sports clubhouses.

Alderman Reuvers: “We’re glad these parents shared their views. Their input is important for understanding the issues at hand and how we can work together to reduce alcohol consumption among young people. It’s up to all of us to create an environment where young people can grow up healthy and strong.”

What will the municipality do?

Among other things, the municipality would like to work with sports clubs to explore ways to help reduce alcohol consumption among young people. Many parents are also looking for an easy way to access more information about alcohol and other substances. To do so, they can visit the website www.Helderopvoeden.nl.

In addition, the municipality is organizing two free information sessions on adolescents and temptations:

  • Thursday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m., at MFA De Rosmolen in Beneden-Leeuwen.
    Topic: Teenagers & Temptations – an interactive and informative evening for parents.
    Registration is required.
  • Wednesday, October 1, at 7:00 p.m., at the Pax Christi Executive board, Mr. van Coothstraat in Druten
    During the annual “Puberpraat” event, there will be various workshops on parenting and substance use.