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Under 18s Drink Awareness Website Launched

13th December 2007, 12:11pm

A new under 18's drink awareness website has launched in response to fresh research that revealed youngsters want a say in campaigns aimed at them about alcohol.

The new site has been developed by The Drinkaware Trust (Drinkaware), and its CEO Jean Collingwood says it is the first anti-drunkenness blow struck by youngsters themselves.

Jean explained why the young people are crucial to the website's success: "Our research shows that youngsters believe the anti-drink message is being diluted by the official approach and patronising slogans. What they want is real information and facts on the effects of drinking, but without being patronised.

"Talking down to teenagers, in particular, only alienates and prevents them addressing the real problems. This is the first time that young people have been asked directly what methods would help them and their friends from falling into the trap of drinking and one we hope will stay on everyone's agenda.

"They want real, practical information, but they want it to be interactive and bite-sized. They want blogs and to be able to talk and learn from each other online about their own personal experiences and problems they face. The website will give youngsters an opportunity to address drinking on their own terms."

Youngsters demanded that the website be bold, colourful and engaging rather than official and forbidding. They also wanted elements of fun alongside the cold hard facts and websites such as MySpace were part of the inspiration.

Feedback from teenagers was instrumental in the design and functionality of the site. Some of the comments received from the research groups* are covered below:

I'd like to see blogs, forums and discussion boards - a blog written by a teenager would be so engaging
Realistically show what drinking can do to people and their families, getting the message across that drinking is not cool
The information shouldn't be patronising, it should give clear facts without baby language
Show the real effects alcohol addiction and the impact such addictions can have on people's lives
It should be fun so my friends and I can go there to play games, get news, share news
Interactive extras such as the effects of drinking, the consequences involved and videos about what can happen
It should contain real people's experiences and a calculator to work out how much is too much for people drink
Simple to navigate, with catchy slogans and music to download

The launch of Truthaboutbooze.com comes as the nation prepares to spend £3.6 billion on alcohol this Christmas.

Weblink: www.truthaboutbooze.com

Related Articles:

02 Sep 2009 - Pubs back Drinkaware's £100m initiative

Words Clare Riley 0 comments

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