Enlist help from family and friends. If you're having difficulty sticking with these tips, or you feel your drinking is getting out of hand, don't try to tackle it on your own. Seek professional advice and get help from a support group. And saying 'no' can be harder, especially if they're already self-conscious about how they fit in with a group. Experts suggest that parents introduce sensible drinking at home - say a glass of wine with dinner, if your teen expresses an interest in drinking.
Nothing makes alcohol more tempting to young people than turning it into 'forbidden fruit'.
Advise your teen to eat something, even some chips or crisps, if they are in a social situation where alcohol will be available. This will help them avoid getting too intoxicated. And suggest they buy their own drinks, rather than buying for each other in 'rounds', which always encourages heavier drinking. Teach them how to pace their drinking and how to say no. Don't underestimate your power as a role model.