Almost Half of 10-Year-Olds Have Tasted Alcohol

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The researchers said the results imply that children's drinking behavior is learned from their observation of their parents drinking, although Donovan pointed out that beer commercials, alcohol ads and TV characters who drink may also play a role.

The researchers also noted that sipping or tasting alcohol at a young age is not correlated with other problem behaviors.

Writing in the January issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, the researchers stated that this is the first in a series of studies planned for this group of families, with the intent of exploring the way in which family attitudes and drinking behavior may affect children's choices.

More information

To learn more about alcohol abuse, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.