ONE-IN-FIVE Warrnambool year six pupils have drunk alcohol and one-in-45 have admitted to binge drinking in the past fortnight, results from a community survey have revealed.
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Alarming statistics from the Communities That Care Warrnambool (CTCW) youth survey have detailed a worrying trend among south-west teens and binge drinking.
More than 1200 year six, eight and 10 students from 13 Warrnambool schools answered the 326-question survey earlier this year.
CTCW co-ordinator Cameron Price said some statistics were shocking and problem areas were identified.
The survey results showed two-in-three year 10 students have consumed alcohol, with one-in-three drinking within the past four weeks of giving their feedback.
One-in-five respondents had consumed five or more alcoholic drinks in a single session within the past fortnight.
Year eight students fared marginally better than their year 10 counterparts.
Two-in-five students had tried alcohol, with one-in-five within the past four weeks.
One in every 18 admitted to binge drinking within the past fortnight.
Mr Price said the level of drinking among year six pupils was particularly concerning.
“Alcohol and other drugs are a major public health concern, contributing to many injuries and fatalities from road accidents, assaults and family violence and chronic health problems,” Mr Price said.
“Youth who regularly consume alcohol by age 14 are nearly half as likely to complete high school education than those who do not.”
