Communication and Supervision of Alcohol in the Family: Parental Perspectives

Nigel Sherriff*International Health Development Research Centre (IHDRC), University of Brighton, Falmer, UKLouise Cox, Lester Coleman and Debi RokerTrust for the Study of Adolescence (TSA), BrightonIt is now well acknowledged that parents can have a central role in supporting sensible alco-hol use and reducing alcohol misuse amongst young people. However, little research has con-sidered how communication and supervision in relation to alcohol actually takes place withinthe family. Drawing upon interviews with the parents of young people aged 13–17 years(n ¼ 40), this article describes the strategies that many parents use in communicating, moni-toring, and supervising alcohol use within the family. The findings revealed that many parentslack the guidance needed to convey ‘sensible drinking’ messages to young people, and wishfor greater information and support about young people and alcohol. 2007 The Author(s).Journal compilation 2007 National Children’s Bureau.