Alcohol from age 12: Alarm over minors, 9 children hospitalized in 1.5 months

Alcohol consumption among minors in Greece is escalating to worrying levels, prompting concern from experts and health professionals about the increasingly young age at which children are first exposed to alcohol. Children aged 12 to 14 are reportedly consuming alcohol, often influenced by peer pressure or adult role models. This trend has caused significant alarm within the scientific community. Psychopedagogue Chryssoula Mavraki highlighted the critical role of families, stressing the need for parents to set clear boundaries and serve as healthy examples for their children. Hospital data underscores the severity of the issue, with a rising number of minors requiring hospitalization after excessive drinking. Mavraki noted that pre-adolescence now begins around age nine, and adolescence around eleven, significantly lowering the age of first alcohol use. She described it as a "real scourge," exacerbated by alcohol's easy availability and its association with enjoyment and relaxation. She pointed to children's parties where adult guests consume alcohol, leading to imitation. George Beas, administrator of the Chania General Hospital, reported that in just six weeks, from July to August, nine young patients, approximately 14 years old, were admitted due to alcohol consumption. These children were treated in the pediatric clinic and the pediatric emergency department. One recent incident involved three 13-14 year olds hospitalized after an outdoor party. Another case involved a 15-year-old riding an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. Many minors arrive in a semi-conscious state and receive necessary care before discharge. Beas emphasized that laws regarding alcohol consumption and sales to minors have been tightened since 2025 and stressed the responsibility of all institutional bodies in consistent prevention efforts. He noted that these incidents involve children from all types of family backgrounds. Nikos Malapetsas, president of the Kalamata Catering Association, stated that the catering sector strictly adheres to its commitment not to serve alcohol to minors. He acknowledged the primary responsibility of professionals but pointed out that many incidents involve alcohol consumption outside of establishments, such as in public spaces or from purchases at kiosks and supermarkets.

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pre-adolescence now begins around age nine, and adolescence around eleven, significantly lowering the age of first alcohol use. It is a real scourge. Because alcohol, unfortunately, even for adults, is something that is very easily available and has been associated with joy and relaxation. At children's parties, when the children were 5-9, did all the adult guests drink? So, we go back to imitation. Humans learn by observation and imitation.