The Federal Government’s Drug and Addiction Commissioner, Hendrik Streeck (CDU), is advocating for stricter alcohol regulations, citing concerns over potential harm to young people. Speaking to Ippen-Media, Streeck proposed removing the current allowance for supervised alcohol consumption from the age of 14, characterizing it as detrimental to the well-being of children and adolescents.
Beyond age restrictions, Streeck emphasized the necessity of a broader cultural shift regarding alcohol consumption. This includes increased public awareness of the risks associated with alcohol and measures to restrict access. Specific proposals under consideration involve relocating alcohol products away from supermarket checkout areas-often referred to as “temptation zones”-and limiting alcohol sales at petrol stations.
While acknowledging that studies indicate a decrease in alcohol consumption among young people, Streeck maintains that more comprehensive education is required. He suggested moving beyond traditional awareness campaigns, such as posters and brochures and exploring innovative approaches, potentially including the introduction of a dedicated health curriculum in schools.
Such a curriculum would extend beyond alcohol education, encompassing topics like general health maintenance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques and basic first aid skills like measuring body temperature. Streeck believes that a formalized health education program would significantly contribute to preventative measures and enhance the overall health literacy of children.
