Could your child be drinking?

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The number of children drinking alcohol under the age of 11 has nearly doubled in the last five years in the UK. We can't avoid the fact we have a serious problem with underage drinking, but talking to your pre-teen honestly and openly about alcohol and its dangers may help prevent problems in the future.

What to say

Yes, this is a fairly grown-up topic to bring up with your nine year old, but there are a lot of mixed messages about drinking that need explaining. Alcohol is the 'acceptable' drug in our society. Your children see it everywhere: at home, on TV, in restaurants, bars and shops. Here's some tips to help you find the right words.

Don't overwhelm them...

with scare tactics, but do explain that alcohol is a drug and can not only change people's personalities but also damage their health. Scientists now say that teenagers who drink heavily are risking permanent brain damage. (See Alcohol, the effects on your child)

Drop it into conversation

Introduce the subject when you're watching TV together. If someone is drinking, explain that drinking in moderation is OK, but that too much booze can affect how you behave and damage your health.

Give them the correct information

Look at websites like goodtoknow.co.uk together. Also try Talk to Frank, an excellent helpline and website aimed at young people and their parents with guidance on alcohol and drugs. Call FRANK on 0800 776 600 or go to www.talktofrank.com.

The government's Know Your Limits campaign gives advice on alcohol and safe drinking for young people too. Call the free 24 hour line on 0800 917 8282 for advice and information or visit the Know Your Limits website

Keep tabs on your child

This is the age when you'll want to give them a bit more freedom and independence, but you still need to know where they are and who they're with. If you're concerned that some of your child's friends may be getting into trouble with drink, speak to the other parents and talk about ways to monitor your children together.