Photo by Over a third of Irish teens have partaken in binge drinking, according to HSE research.
Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks in a two hour period.
The odds of binge drinking are nearly two times higher for teens who report having poor mental health.
One fifth of participants say they got alcohol from their parents.
Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic, Dr. Garrett McGovern, says this relaxed attitude has consequences:
"The general rule of thumb is, in general, drinking at home in front of your children, generally the research would show it's not a great idea."
"If you have a permissive attitude towards alcohol then the likelihood is your children will have a permissive attitude towards alcohol and cigarette smoking I might add."
"You can't watch your kids of course, and adolescents are going to be adults at some stage but I don't think a permissive attitude towards alcohol is really the right way to go."
