School policies and binge drinking behaviours of school-aged children in Wales - a multilevel analysis

Research has highlighted increased and earlier alcohol consumption among young people. This study aims to explore whether the type of school alcohol policy employed is associated with the frequent binge drinking behaviours of adolescents, after adjusting for known demographic and social factors. Integrated cross-sectional data were used from Welsh school surveys that assess the health behaviours of adolescents and school health policies. Frequent binge drinking was more likely to occur among older pupils, those living with one parent and pupils from more affluent backgrounds. Frequent binge drinking was also associated with pupils who bullied others, those with greater peer involvement and who felt pressured by schoolwork. The results suggested that strong parental and school bonds were protective factors against frequent binge drinking as were greater life satisfaction. Pupils who were bullied were less likely to have frequently binge drank. There was some evidence to suggest that written school policies are associated with lower likelihood of frequent binge drinking, in particular among boys and pupils with lower school attachment. However, there is a need for greater understanding of the differential population influence of school alcohol polices and an evaluation of their effectiveness.