Generation+Y,+skins,+and+the+issue+that+is+'binge'+drinking

//Name: Rebecca Duff// //Student number: N7559534//  //Tutor: Colleen Niland//

Why is the act of binge drinking particularly prevalent across generation Y, and does this pose problems for future generations? Whilst the culture of binge drinking has been prevalent in Australia for more than a decade, generation Y has taken it beyond the pubs and clubs to public spaces and parties at home (McCrindle, 2010). Experimentation with alcohol and other drugs is part of teenage psychosocial development, and it is not surprising that our youth explore substances, which are so widely available in our community. Testing limits, both physical and psychosocial, is part of the process of maturation into adulthood (Bonomo, 2005); however, is this form of testing safe and appropriate? In addressing the above stated question, it is essential to determine the extent of this binge-drinking endemic. This investigation will be conducted using a foundation of relevant literature, as well as making social and cultural analyses. In addition, a cultural artefact will be presented and discussed in relation to the issue.

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**CULTURAL ARTEFACT** Often reviewed as a television series for mature viewers, and those who are less likely to be influenced by the content, Skins is a compelling British drama that depicts teenage angst at its finest. Believed to be portraying a ‘realistic’ view of the middle children of Generation Y, these Millenial’s are great examples of the multiculturalism, complexity, and pervasive globalism, that plays a large part in the future of the Western world (Summers, 2010). The plot follows interesting characters whose stories are playfully yet intricately tied together, combining moments of hilarity, seriousness and tragedy within the framework of a context which seems to emulate so much of what it feels like to be ‘young’ (Uhila24, 2009). Drawing on teenage stereotypes, drug taking, excessive alcohol consumption, rebelling against work and parents and tackling issues such as teenage pregnancy, sexuality, dysfunctional families and mental disorders, skins seems to encompass the very issues that surround the culture of alcohol abuse witnessed by Generation Y.

**PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE** This artefact reflects the generation Y binge-drinking endemic. Whilst it may be accused of promoting the typical generation Y stereotype, of lazy, self-interested kids constantly exposed to alcohol, drugs, sex and violence, it provides insight into the way in which alcohol and recreational drugs can seriously encourage an assortment of risky health related behaviours. The following essay will report on the public health issue that is binge drinking amongst young persons. Furthermore, it will critically analyse the impact of this public health issue on the wider population in relation to health and well-being, the strategies that have been implemented in deterring such behaviours, and social theories often used in analysing binge drinking and drug using behaviours. These issues are of great importance, especially amongst generation Y, and are paramount in determining the health of future generations.

**LITERATURE REVIEW** Alcohol is the most widely used recreational drug within Australian society. However, because it is so widely used and considered socially acceptable it is often not considered a ‘drug’, and hence the risks associated are often ignored. Copious amounts of research prove that consumption of alcohol at harmful levels is increasing in Australia, and in addition, the rise in binge drinking has climbed proportionately. The National Health and Medical Research Council (2009), classifies binge drinking as heavy alcohol consumption over a short period of time, or drinking continuously over a number of days or weeks, resulting in immediate and severe intoxication. The term binge drinking has various interpretations and measurements; however most definitions conclude that it can be linked to risky levels of alcohol consumption that are often associated with injury or death (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2006). Risky consumption levels associated with harm are outlined in Table 1. Table 1 //Alcohol consumption associated with harm among people aged 18 years and over// Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2006. Alcohol related harm accounts for approximately one death, and sixty hospitalisations amongst young people in Australia each weekend (National Drug Research Institute, 2009). Furthermore, among young people aged 16 - 24 years, alcohol related harm is one of the leading causes of disease and injury burden. Despite members of generation Y being underage in relation to purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages, it is evidentially possible to find ways of obtaining these substances. Research conducted by the National Drug Strategy Household Survey (2004) found that the mean age of initiation for first use of alcohol among 12–24 year olds was 14.7 years respectively. Furthermore, the study also reported that 31% of 12–24 year olds drank, once or more a month, at levels that put them at risk or high risk of alcohol-related harm in the short term, and 11% drank at levels that put them at risk or high risk of alcohol-related harm in the long term. If these alarming statistics are not indicative enough of the severe uncertainties accompanied with binge drinking, the associated risks of excessive alcohol consumption add to the significance of the issue within Australian society.  As a community, Australians demonstrate a marked ambivalence towards alcohol, not considering alcohol a “drug” and viewing the “drug problems” of society as primarily involving illicit drugs (Hamilton, King, Ritter, 2004). However, contrary to popular belief, studies prove that alcohol related death and injuries are far more likely within the culture of drinking, than in any other subcultures (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2006). Numerous studies have revealed that risky levels of drinking are associated with an increased risk from injury including vehicular accidents, drowning, accidental injury, and violence, as well as an increase in wider risk-taking behaviours among young people, particularly in terms of unsafe sex choices, sexual coercion and drink driving (Bell, Lampropoulos, Milne, Towns, 2007). In Australia, approximately 15% of all deaths of adolescents aged between 15 and 24 years can be attributed to the consumption of risky levels of alcohol (Chikritzhs & Pascal, 2004). As a result, binge drinking amongst young persons is one of Australia’s largest public health issues and highlights the issue as a growing social concern (Australian Rotary Health, 2010). Whilst studies show that this phenomenon exists within Australian society, there is a wealth of evidence highlighting that the issue is one not only constrained to Australia, but also frequently apparent on a global scale.  It is evident that alcohol use is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. For example, of particular interest there is evidence to show that young binge drinkers are in denial and do not consider themselves having any connection to the binge drinking culture. A European paper written by Cater and Coleman (2007) aimed to examine adolescent’s own opinions about the ‘drinking to get drunk’ culture, by investigating whether young people viewed binge drinking as a real ‘problem’; and what they thought could be done to reduce binge drinking in the United Kingdoms Caerphilly County Borough region. Data was collected from forty persons aged 18-25 whom met the criteria for being binge drinkers, through the process of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Results found that most young people did not classify themselves as binge drinkers, with drinking considered to be part of a normal and fun existence. In addition, most participants believed that nothing would work to combat the binge drinking endemic. Whilst the study states that given the age range, occupational classifications, ethnicity and geographical diversity, it has no reason to suspect the sample would be atypical of the wider population of 18- to 25-year-old young people in Caerphilly County Borough, it is important to note that the sample size was relatively small and excluded opinions of those who did not attend youth groups and colleges. Therefore, data may be inaccurate in portraying typical opinions. <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;"> Moreover, it is not just the distorted attitudes of these adolescents in relation to binge drinking that are concerning, but also the prevalence of binge drinking and the increased risk of harm these people are subjected to as a result. A New Zealand study conducted by Baxter, Bourdeau, Cashell-Smith, Kypri, Langley & Paschall (2008), aimed to examine the prevalence of binge drinking, related harms, and individual risk factors among undergraduates in New Zealand. This multivariate analysis was conducted based on web surveys completed by 2,548 undergraduates at five of New Zealand’s eight universities. Results, showed that 68% of students were identified as drinking hazardous/risky amounts of alcohol, and from this the most prevalent problems were having a hangover (55%), blacking out (33%), and vomiting (21%). In addition, twelve percent of students reported having an argument and five percent reported physical aggression in relation to alcohol use; six percent reported having unprotected sex and nine percent had sex they later regretted. Furthermore, ten percent of students reported either drink-driving or being a passenger of a drink-driver. Like any study using consumer-based surveys, there is potential for bias and incorrect information to be provided. The idea that it is likely that data may be skewed as per the possibility of differential non-response bias, i.e., the tendency for responses by consumers to be underestimated due to the selective nonparticipation of heavy drinkers, should be cautioned and duly noted. In conclusion, the study reasoned that given the high prevalence of binge drinking in high school and its strong association with later binge drinking, strategies aimed at youth drinking are a main priority.The findings of this study also align with American research conducted by Grant, Harford, & Stinson (2001) who found that binge drinking among adolescents and young adults more commonly resulted in at least five well-documented complications. These include traffic accidents, sexual violence, for both the offender and the victim, memory deficits and the resulting academic impairments, and a higher risk of alcoholism in adulthood. <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;"> It is evident that literature surrounding the binge drinking culture clearly elucidates the risks, attitudes and prevalence of the issue, highlighting its seriousness as a growing public health concern.
 * = <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left;">**Alcohol consumption associated with harm** ||||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">**Short-term harm**  ||||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">**Long-term harm**  ||
 * ^  ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">**Risky**  ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">**High-risk**  ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">**Risky**  ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">**High-risk**  ||
 * = <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left;">Males ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">7 to 10 standard drinks on any one day  ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">11 or more standard drinks on any one day  ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">29 to 42 standard drinks per week  ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">43 or more standard drinks per week  ||
 * = <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left;">Females ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">5 to 6 standards drinks on any one day  ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">7 or more standards drinks on any one day  ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">15 to 28 standard drinks per week  ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">29 or more standard drinks per week  ||

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center; vertical-align: sub;"><span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #393232; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: justify; vertical-align: sub;">**SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ANALISIS** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center; vertical-align: sub;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;">Society and culture often impact greatly on public health issues. This statement is particularly relevant in exploring the contributing factors of the current binge drinking endemic evident within the generation Y sub group. Investigation into the high prevalence and continuity of binge drinking in today’s society, especially amongst members of generation Y, and how attitudes in relation to the activity are instilled need to be considered. The social and cultural phenomenon of binge drinking can be investigated using the application of Aizen’s theory of planned behaviour (1991)- a theory that considers the relationship between attitudes and behaviour, and can be successfully applied to the prediction of a range of health behaviours (Conner and Sparks, 1996). In the theory of planned behaviour, Aizen outlines three main influences on a person’s behaviour: his/her evaluation of the behaviour, his/ her perception of the social pressure to engage in the behaviour and his/ her perception of control over performing the behaviour (Bennett, Lewis, & Norman, 1998). In addition each of these three influences are underlined with specific beliefs that focus on the consequences of performing the behaviour, the perceived wishes of important referents, and the factors which may inhibit or facilitate performance of the behaviour (Bennett, Lewis, & Norman, 1998). Figure One depicts the theory in the form of a structural diagram. <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;"> All of these factors- attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, behavioural beliefs, control beliefs and normative beliefs- that Aizen identified as predicting health related behaviours are all factors that can be identified in the occurrence of the current binge drinking endemic, especially in generation Y.  <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: center;">Source: Aizen, 1991. <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: center; vertical-align: sub;">//Figure 1:// Theory of planned behaviour <span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;"><span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;">Behavioural attitudes play a major role in the development on binge drinking in adolescents. It seems that in today’s Australian culture drinking is considered obligatory for a good night out, irrespective of age. Whilst generation Y is evidentially noted as being the most prevalent generation in regards to binge drinking, there is evidence to show that their predecessors are no strangers to alcohol consumption. Children and young adults are prone to following the examples of their parents and peers. A study conducted by Maruyama, Perry, Sieving, and Williams (2000), aimed to investigate parents’ role in the initiation of alcohol use of young adolescents. Results of the study found that parental norms were directly related to adolescents' alcohol-related cognitions, and thereby had a significant relationship with teenagers' alcohol use. If parents believe that drinking in front of children is not going to influence the child’s future decisions in relation to alcohol consumption, then it is clear that the very nature in which children are influenced is somewhat distorted. As a result, the attitudes instilled into children and young adults in relation to alcoholic consumption can play a large role in influencing behavioural outcomes and hence binge drinking associations during adolescents. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;"> Generation Y lives in a society where complying with social norms is often indicative of social acceptance. The phrase "never trust a man who doesn't drink" is embedded deeply into Australian culture alongside Vegemite and mateship. But when binge drinking is the new synonym for teenage socialisation, perhaps the time has come for Australians to reconsider societies attitude towards alcohol (Robertson, 2009). In today’s society social norms are often media driven, and the notion that drinking is an Australian norm is identified across advertisements, the sporting industry, music scenes, and undeniably club cultures. It is often the case that non-drinkers in Australian communities are ostracised as un-Australian, and as a result, it is unsurprising that teenagers, and in particular generation Y, feel ‘drinking to get drunk’ is a necessary sacrifice in achieving social acceptance. According to the Australian Medical Association’s President, Dr Bill Glasson (2004), there is a lot of peer pressure coercing young people into dangerous and harmful alcohol drinking habits. Furthermore, there is an obvious stigma of sobriety apparent within Australian culture that continues to influence drinking patterns and consumption, especially across members of generation Y. This stigma is not only identifiable within generation Y attitudes, but more so amongst their predecessors. As a result, it is crucial that this stigma be addressed and that Australians of all ages be more tolerant and accepting of differences in alcohol consumption choices. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;"> Generation Y has been shaped in an environment of more permissive parenting where parents have given children more freedom younger, and for many, parents have morphed into peerants (McCrindle, 2010). Due to the lack of boundaries and a failure to emphasise personal responsibility, parents have created a context where there are circumstances without an understanding of consequences. In a world where providing less boundaries is believed to be associated with instilling independence and maturity, there is evidence to show that too much freedom too early creates a “safety net syndrome”, in which young adults are less likely to worry about the risks of their behaviour (McCrindle, 2010). According to a study conducted by Van Der Vorst (2007), parental disapproval acts as a "buffer" against peer pressure. Children of "permissive parents" who are more accepting of drugs and liquor or who leave decisions about them to their teens are more likely to have children who abuse substances. In accordance, this perceived behavioural control is merely the result of permissive parenting and as a result children and young adolescents are unable to decipher the consequences of binge drinking patterns. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;"> In turn, the intention of getting drunk, and thus the behaviour of binge drinking, is the result of a mix of behavioural attitudes, social norms and perceived behavioural control. It is not known what the future will hold for Generation Y in regards to health and wellbeing; however, it is obvious that the public health issue of binge drinking needs to be addressed now in the hope of deterring similar behaviours from future generations. It is pertinent that as a society Australians endeavour to redress the issue of binge drinking amongst adolescents, alongside youth alcohol awareness, prevention and protection, and first and foremost education. Applying strict rules about alcohol use and having qualitative good conversations about drinking alcohol seem to prevent adolescents from heavy drinking patterns, whereas parental alcohol use seems to promote adolescents’ drinking (Spijkerman, Van Den Eijnden & Huiberts, 2008). By considering the role of society and culture, and being aware of the differences in health related behaviours between generations it is agreed between health care provides and governments that combating binge drinking is complex yet achievable. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">

<span style="color: #393232; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: justify;">**ANALYSIS OF CULTURAL ARTEFACT AND LEARNING REFLECTIONS** <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;">The British television series Skins, is a perfect example depicting the effects associated with excessive alcohol consumption and clearly illustrating the binge drinking endemic being witnessed within generation Y. The show highlights the very nature of what binge drinking encompasses as well as touches on the risks and harm that can come as a direct result. It is this issue, as well as drug usage, that is very prominent within the context of the series, and further emphasises binge drinking’s importance as a public health issue. <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;">Being a member of generation Y I have witnessed the effects of binge drinking throughout high school and more so now, in club cultures. I, myself, do not drink and am often questioned by my generation y counterparts about my sobriety. Relentless interrogation as to why I do not join the mainstream generation Y lifestyle, and more so the ‘Australian’ norm of drinking, ends only when I provide an acceptable defence as to my non participation in the drinking culture. Though I must admit, it is due to medical advice, not choice. Alcoholic consumption seems to be the backbone of Australian culture, and it is astonishing to realise just how influential a social norm can be in determining health related behaviours amongst today’s adolescence. This assessment piece, and unit, has informed me of the interrelation of health, culture and society and the roles they play in the development of a variety of public health issues. Furthermore, it has really opened my eyes to the culture that I once saw as ‘normal’, and has provided me with an insight into the serious harm such behaviours can cause. Evidently, it is essential that binge drinking in future generations be prevented as so the health and well being of future generations is sustainable.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;">** LEARNING ENGAGEMENT AND REFLECTION TASK ** <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;">**Page:** Health impacts of the sexualisation of mass media and marketing on children and teenagers <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;">**Comment:** **//Great Artefact//**  <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify;">I realise you are yet to finish your wiki page, however, the cultural artefact you have used really caught my attention. The Dove "Onslaught" advertising campaign really elucidates the way advertising can distort young children’s perceptions on what true beauty and more importantly health really encompasses. I like your comment about how much of the advertising in today’s society is based around appearance and sexuality. I think it’s unrealistic to be providing young children with views of distorted health and beauty. We live in a world where much of societies consumer obsession is based around the idea of being beautiful, and that anything other than this distorted image of perfection is imperfect and socially unacceptable. You’re right in the sense that it’s not just the impacts of what is being portrayed that can affect adolescent views, but it’s the realization that such media portrayal can ultimately lead to a range of other public health issues- including mental health. It’ll be interesting to read your cultural and social analysis when you’ve finished. Good work and good luck. Rebecca. <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify; vertical-align: sub;"> **Page:** ATHLETE OR SEX SYMBOL? <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify; vertical-align: sub;">**Comment:** **//Great Wiki//**  <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify; vertical-align: sub;">As a person who has been heavily involved in sport for most of my life, the issue you have focused on is one that is both interesting yet to an extent upsetting. You have made some really important points throughout your wiki that have really captured the essence of the issue. One point you made that I found really great is that put simply, gender-based discrimination is the basis on which people believe women’s sporting ability to be inferior to that of men’s. I would have put this down to lack of interest in women’s sporting abilities, however, the point you have made really elucidates the issue as being so much more than this. You touched on the issue that women in sport are often toned, athletic, lean, competitive and strong, and that this image, only in recent years, has become more socially acceptable. It’s sad that female athletes resort to selling their sexuality for both publicity and increased attention. We live in a society where the roles of men and women are slowly beginning to merge and in some nations become more equalized, especially in relation to the workforce, yet therefore how come equality on the playing field seems miles apart? A great analysis and use of the objectification theory, truly an interesting read. Rebecca.

<span style="color: #393232; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">**REFERENCES** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Ajzen, I. (1991) The theory of planned behavior. //Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50//, 179-211. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Australian Government, National Health and Medical Research Council. (2009) Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol. Retrieved from the National Health and Medical Research Council online web page [] <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: left; vertical-align: sub;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2004). 2004 National drug strategy household survey: first results. Cat. no. PHE 57. Canberra: AIHW. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2006). Towards national indicators for food and nutrition: an AIHW view. Reporting against the Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults. Cat. no. PHE 70. Canberra: AIHW.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Australian Rotary Health. (2010). Adolescent binge drinking is a big headache in Australia. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Baxter, J., Bourdeau, B., Cashell-Smith, M., Kypri, K., Langley, J., & Paschall, M. (2008). Drinking and alcohol-related harm among New Zealand university students: findings from a national web-based survey. //Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 33//, 307-314. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2008.00834.x

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Bell, J., Milne, B., Lampropoulos, B., Towns, S. (2007). Alcohol, drugs and Australian young people. //International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health 19//, 45-253. doi: 10.1515/IJAMH.2007.19.3.245.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify; vertical-align: sub;">Bennett, P., Lewis, H., & Norman, P. (1998). Understanding binge drinking among young people: an application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. //Health education and research; theory and practice, 13//(2), 163-169. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Bonomo, Y. (2005). Adolescent alcohol problems: whose responsibility is it anyway? //The Medical Journal of Australia, 183//(8), 430-432. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Cater, S., & Coleman, L. (2007). Changing the culture of young people’s binge drinking: From motivations to practical solutions. //Drugs: education, prevention and policy//, //14,// 305–317. doi: 10.1080/09687630601070878

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Chikritzhs, T. & Pascal, R. (2004). Trends in Youth Alcohol Consumption and Related Harms in Australian Jurisdictions 1990–2002. Retrieved from the National Drug Research Institute website []

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify; vertical-align: sub;">Conner, M. and Sparks, P. (1996). //The theory of planned behaviour and health behaviours.// (ed. M, Conner & P, Norman). //Predicting Health Behaviour//. Buckingham, England: Open University Press.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify; vertical-align: sub;">Glasson, B. (2004). Binge Drinking A Blight on Australia's Young. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Grant, B., Harford, T., & Stinson, F. (2001). Age at onset of alcohol use and DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence: A 12-year follow-up. //American Journal of Substance Abuse, 13//, 493-504. doi: [|10.1016/S0899-3289(01)00096-7]

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Hamilton, M., King, T., Ritter, A. (2004). //Drug use in Australia// (2nd ed.). Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Maruyama, G., Perry, C., Sieving, R., & Williams, C. (2000). Pathways to Adolescent Alcohol Use: Potential Mechanisms of Parent Influence. //Journal of Research on Adolescence, 10//(4), 489-514. Retrieved from [|http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/ehost/detail?sid=e7b222de-d246-40d7-a52d-3e93b1213d8e%40sessionmgr113&vid=4&hid=127&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=afh&AN=4802519]

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">McCrindle, M. (2010, February 5). Many ingredients make this gen Y cocktail of violence. //The Age//. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">National Drug Research Institute, Curtin Australia. (2009). National alcohol sales data project final report. Retrieved from Curtin University website []

Robertson, G. (2009, November 28). Teenagers pressured to guzzle the booze. //The Age.// Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: justify; vertical-align: sub;">Spijkerman, R., Van Den Eijnden, R., & Huiberts, A. (2008). Socioeconomic differences in alcohol-specific parenting practices and adolescents’ drinking patterns. //European Addiction Research, 14//(1), 26-37. doi: 10.1159/000110408

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Summers. K. (2010, March 9). Skins (UK TV Series) is Youth/Gen Y TV done right [Web log post]. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">Uhila24. (2009, March 14). Skins (UK) Show Reviews [Online forum comment]. Retrieved from []

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">V<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">an Der Vost, H. (2007). The role of family in adolescents' alcohol use. Retrieved from <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; vertical-align: sub;">http://repository.ubn.ru.nl/bitstream/2066/30191/1/30191_key_tothc.pdf