'Life's changed but not always for the better'
My guess is that, like the decline in young unwanted pregnancies, this is related to the obsession with the mobile phone and social media: youngsters are not getting out and about.
At the same time, however, there is reported to be an increase in mental illness and attempted suicide in the 15 to 19-year-old age group.
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Hide AdWhatever the risks, drinking is usually a social activity, especially for the young, where they can look each other in the eye, back-slap, hug, converse naturally and generally interact in ways which are simply not possible on a small screen.
Life has changed in so many ways for many young people but, on balance, not for the better.
Brian Sheridan
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