Alcohol one of main concerns for SW youth

Alcohol, along with violence and bullying, is consistently named by South West youth as their top three concerns, according to Investing in Our Youth executive officer Carmen Gregg.

Mrs Gregg said under-age drinking was a widespread problem and consultations with young people showed alcohol was consistently among their priority concerns.

‘‘We know that alcohol can fuel violence, so these issues are linked,’’ Mrs Gregg said.

‘‘Young people are worried about their own safety and the safety of their friends.’’

From July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, St John Ambulance WA registered 175 cases in the South West as being related to alcohol intoxication.

Of those, more than 19 per cent were under the age of 18.

In the previous year, the ambulance service recorded 138 cases in the region as being related to alcohol intoxication, with nearly 17 per cent of patients under the age of 18.

South West District Police Supt Lawrence Panaia said he was not surprised young people listed alcohol among their top three concerns.

Supt Panaia said under-age drinking was not unique to the SouthWest and Australia’s drinking culture was to blame.

Praising the work of organisations like Investing in Our Youth, he said all the police could dowas work hard to enforce the law.