Practices in alcohol education among Finnish parents: Have there been changes between 2006 and 2012?

Abstract

Aims: In this study we look at (1) changes in parenting practices related to adolescents’ alcohol use in Finland from 2006 to 2012 and (2) whether parents’ own drinking behaviour is related to the parenting practices. Methods: Two surveys of parents with children were conducted in 2006 (n = 2864) and 2012 (n = 2965). The data were analysed using χ²-test and multivariate regression analysis. Findings: Alcohol-related parenting practices had become stricter between the study years in all sociodemographic groups. The frequency and volume of the parent’s own drinking in the presence of their children were the strongest predictors of permissive parenting practices related to the children’s alcohol use. Conclusions: The study indicates that, as preventive policies can influence parental practices in a positive way in the majority of families, special attention needs to be paid to families with heavy parental alcohol use.

Keywords:

• Adolescents
• alcohol
• parents
• survey

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.