Just One Sip

Most people begin drinking based on the messages they get that alcohol and socialising go hand in hand. So I’m sharing this as I believe in the importance of de-normalising alcohol as a social necessity as early as possible. Especially for our kids.

I’ve had a few discussions of late on the prevalence of underage drinking.  I started early, in earnest at about the age of 16, back when your age was based on how much confidence you showed walking into the pub. But we now know that the earlier we start, the more impact there is on our brain development, and the more likely we will be to misuse later in life.

Whilst the research tells us overall that younger people are drinking less, I still hear about ( and sometimes see) people offering alcohol to their teens, and perhaps more concerning, a sip here and there to their kids.

It may seem innocuous, but this research came out in June this year and I’m sharing it in the hope it will create more awareness to the fact that it isn’t.

The Hidden Risks of Letting Your Kids Sip Alcohol

It’s fun to share experiences with our children, and when I was growing up, especially when we would holiday in France, my parents would sometimes offer me a sip of champagne, or wine. It was disgusting to me at the time, but it seemed to bring us together, which were rare moments.

But new research is shedding light on why this seemingly harmless act might have long-term consequences for our kid's mental health and personality development.

Given I struggled on and off with depression this research struck a chord, and whilst I am sure my sipping wasn’t the entire cause of this, I think it’s important that we are aware that even a small sip here or there has affect.

The Concern with Early Alcohol Sipping

We know alcohol is a drug and that it is linked to various physical and psychological issues. We also know about the dangers of adolescent drinking, but what about the kids who start sipping alcohol as early as 9 or 10 years old?

The study I’m referencing looked at data from over 11,000 kids across the US to explore how early alcohol sipping might impact their brains, personalities, and mental health as they grow up.

What the Study Found

Researchers identified three distinct groups of kids based on their early alcohol sipping habits, and each group showed different patterns in personality traits and depression scores over time.

A key brain area, called the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) which is crucial for self-control and decision-making, played a significant role in how early alcohol sipping affected these kids. Those with poor self-control at the beginning, coupled with more frequent sipping, were more likely to experience negative changes in their personality and mental health as they moved into their teenage years.

Even more concerning, the study found a two-way relationship between alcohol sipping and personality traits. In other words, the more a child sipped alcohol, the more their personality traits shifted, and these changes could, in turn, lead to more sipping—creating a potentially dangerous cycle.

Why This Matters

This research highlights a critical point: what may seem like harmless sipping could actually accelerate changes in your child’s mental health and personality as they grow. Early exposure to alcohol could set the stage for struggles with depression and personality issues during adolescence, a time already filled with challenges and changes.

What Can Parents Do?

Understanding these risks is the first step in protecting your children. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Delay Alcohol Exposure: The longer you can keep your child away from alcohol, even in small sips, the better. Early exposure can have lasting effects on their developing brains and personalities.
2. Open Communication: Talk to your kids about the risks of alcohol, even if they’re young. Make sure they understand that alcohol isn’t just an adult privilege but a substance that can affect their health.
3. Model Healthy Behaviour: Children often mimic their parents' behaviour. Show them that it’s okay to enjoy social events without needing alcohol.

The Bottom Line

While letting your kids sip alcohol might seem harmless, this study suggests it could have serious consequences for their mental health and personality development.

Most people begin drinking based on the messaging they get that alcohol and socialising go hand in hand. So I’m sharing this as I believe in the importance of de-normalising alcohol as a social necessity as early as possible.

The sooner we wake up to the real damage it causes to our young people’s development, and change our behaviour, the happier and more mentally and physically healthy our children will be.

Source - Alcohol sipping patterns, personality, and psychopathology in Children: Moderating effects of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) activation Ana Ferariu, Hansoo Chang, Alexei Taylor, Fengqing ZhangFirst published: 18 June 2024