Factors Associated with Parents' Belief in the Appropriateness of Providing Alcohol to their Child

ABSTRACTBackground: Parental provision of alcohol to their underage child has been associated with risky adolescent drinking. While parents' belief in the appropriateness of providing their child with alcohol may influence their provision behaviors, research into the factors associated with this belief is lacking. Objectives: This study sought to identify the factors associated with parents' belief in the appropriateness of providing alcohol to their underage child. Methods: Western Australian parents of 12–17 year olds (n = 443) completed an online survey assessing their drinking habits, alcohol provision behaviors, alcohol-related beliefs and attitudes, their child's alcohol consumption, and demographics. Results: Nearly half (44%) the parents surveyed reported providing their underage child with alcohol. Parents of older children and parents who (i) did not believe in the harms and recommendations associated with alcohol use in youth, (ii) agreed with youth-related drinking myths, and (iii) reported mo...