Alcohol use among 15 to 17-year-olds. In Fact

Four in nine New Zealanders report the first time they consumed a large amount of alcohol on one drinking occasion was when they were 15 to 17-years-old). The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) advises that for young people aged 15 to17 years, the safest option is to delay drinking for as long as possible. HPA’s Attitudes and Behaviour towards Alcohol Survey (ABAS) monitors New Zealanders’ behaviour and attitudes towards alcohol, including those related to last month alcohol consumption. This fact sheet reports on alcohol use among those aged 15-17 years.