Kids want alcohol to be kept hidden
Last updated 19th Sep 2019
Young children are getting upset by seeing alcohol everywhere they go, according to report they've helped to write.
The Children's Parliament says it would like to see booze less visible in the shops and on TV and adverts
The report used workshops with 90 primary school pupils between the ages of nine and 11.
During the sessions, children shared their experiences of alcohol, along with wondering what their life might be like if they did not encounter alcohol regularly.
Young people described alcohol as being "highly visible'' throughout their day.
The report concluded alcohol should be made less visible in shops and on TV, as well as calling for the removal of adverts from billboards.
The Children's Parliament also called for an end to alcohol firms sponsoring events at which children will be present.
The children told researchers that alcohol was portrayed in adverts as being "desirable and cool''.
One member of the Children's Parliament said: "No-one asks us about alcohol and suddenly when you think about it, you realise it's all around you all the time.''
Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland - which aided in the research - said: "As adults we tend to assume that as an age-restricted product, children don't really notice alcohol advertising or people drinking.
"What this work has shown us for the first time is how often children are seeing alcohol - from opening the fridge at breakfast time, throughout the day in shops and on billboards to in their homes and on TV at night - and the negative effects it can have on their wellbeing.''
Ms Douglas said Scotland has a chance to make a difference in how alcohol is presented.
She said: "The Scottish Government's forthcoming consultation on alcohol marketing provides a real opportunity to show we are listening to children and will take action to protect and promote their right to grow up healthy and happy, free from alcohol harm.''
Public health minister Joe FitzPatrick also supported the work, saying the voice of children should be heard on this issue.
He said: "The Children's Parliament investigators have done a great job in capturing and sharing the experiences of many of their peers, providing a unique and sobering insight which will help to inform the proposals for our consultation on restrictions to alcohol marketing issuing next spring."
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