Parents share their views on alcohol consumption among young people in West Maas en Waal

This is an old message.

To gain insight into how parents feel about alcohol consumption among young people, the municipality of West Maas en Waal asked them to complete a questionnaire.

What do parents think about alcohol consumption among young people? To gain insight into this, the municipality of West Maas en Waal distributed a questionnaire to parents of young people between the ages of 12 and 18. The reason for this questionnaire was concern about the high number of young people who drink alcohol before they turn 18. The municipality wants to use the results to work with parents and other partners to create an environment in which young people can grow up healthy and safe—without alcohol or other substances.

Working together to ensure a healthy youth

The municipality of West Maas en Waal wants 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. An important goal is to prevent the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco among young people. The municipality is doing this in collaboration with schools, sports clubs, parents, and other stakeholders.
Figures from the Municipal Health Service (GGD) show that 42% of young people in West Maas en Waal have already drunk alcohol before the age of 18. That is more than the average in Gelderland-Zuid (32%). Young people mainly drink at home, at friends' houses, or in a shed. Reason enough for the municipality to take action.

Questionnaire for parents: what are their views on alcohol?

From February 17 to March 17, 2025, parents of young people between the ages of 12 and 18 were invited to complete a questionnaire about alcohol consumption. 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 drink with permission more often than boys.
  • Many parents talk to their children about alcohol, especially as they get older.
  • At the same time, many parents themselves drink occasionally in front of their children.
  • Most parents think this is harmless.
  • According to parents, peer pressure also plays a role among young people and among themselves.

The conclusion: in many families, alcohol consumption is normal, especially at parties at home or in the clubhouse. Parents disapprove most of drinking in sports canteens.

Alderman Rob Reuvers: "We are pleased that these parents have shared their opinions. Their voices are important in helping us understand what is going on and how we can work together to reduce alcohol consumption among young people. It is up to all of us to create an environment in which 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 see how they can help reduce alcohol consumption among young people. Many parents also want easy access to more information about alcohol and other substances. They can visit the website www.Helderopvoeden.nl for this information.

In addition, the municipality is organizing two free information evenings about adolescents and temptations:

  • Thursday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m., at MFA De Rosmolen in Beneden-Leeuwen.
    Theme: adolescents & temptations – interactive and educational evening for parents.
    Registration is required.
  • Wednesday, October 1, at 7:00 p.m., at Pax Christi College, Mr. van Coothstraat in Druten
    During the annual Puberpraat (Teen Talk), there will be various workshops on parenting and substance use.