Icelandic health officials consider alcohol breathalyzers for middle schools

Icelandic health authorities are observing a worrying trend of increased alcohol consumption among adolescents, prompting discussions about implementing alcohol breathalyzer tests at middle school events. Dóra Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir, director of public health at the Directorate of Health, noted that data from those working with young people suggests a rise in drinking.

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We are normalizing alcohol consumption, that alcohol is necessary when celebrating, that one must toast with alcohol.

Guðmundsdóttir explained that young people themselves cite increased access and significant peer pressure as reasons for the trend. She described this as a "normalization" of alcohol consumption, where it is increasingly seen as necessary for celebrations. This observation is supported by reports from schools, with some considering the use of breathalyzers at parties to address the issue.

Social media is also believed to play a role in normalizing alcohol use among youth. Furthermore, research indicates that increased access to alcohol correlates with higher consumption rates. Guðmundsdóttir also pointed to a perceived shift in parental attitudes, suggesting that parents are becoming more lenient regarding their children's alcohol use compared to previous years.

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We hear from schools, middle schools, that they are going to consider using alcohol breathalyzers at parties because they have noticed increased alcohol consumption among middle school students.

The police also reported intervening with numerous young people for alcohol consumption during the recent Culture Night festival. Two downtown venues were shut down after officers found underage individuals present. In all cases, parents were contacted to pick up their children. While cannabis use has not seen a similar increase in these age groups, the rise in adolescent alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern.

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There has been a certain group, and it has remained stable.