Parents 'allowing kids to binge drink at home'

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by Change | 25 Nov 2008

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A senior police officer has criticised parents who allow children to binge drink at home.

Parents who allow young people to get drunk in their homes are "beyond irresponsible", a senior police officer asserts.

Tom Halpin, temporary chief constable of Lothian and Borders police, suggests this form of alcohol abuse can be very harmful.

Commenting on the issue as the force launches a new initiative targeting this form of substance abuse, he claims parents who participate in this type of behaviour are "failing in their duty of care".

Mr Halpin criticises those from traditionally middle-class backgrounds, such as doctors and legal professionals, alleging they are unable to confront their children over binge drinking in the home.

"There's an enormous difference between experimenting with a glass of wine over dinner to consuming two litre bottles of cider and topping that up with alcopops," he states.

Mr Halpin says beyond the immediate risks presented by heavy drinking are also wellbeing and self-esteem issues.

Earlier in the month, the number of school suspensions due to the misuse of drink were described by Richard Baker, a member of the Scottish parliament, as "shocking".

Within the Highland and Argyll and Bute areas, disciplinary measures were taken against 330 children, with 63 pupils being punished with suspension or expulsion.

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