More than 60 per cent of pupils between the ages of 13 and 15 have experimented with alcohol, and the problem of underage drinking has worsened over the last five years, a new survey of teachers has found.
The survey found that teachers believe more than 60 per cent of 16 to 17-year-olds drink on a weekly basis, getting intoxicated on some of these occasions. Teachers noted exam failure and truancy as consequences of this trend.
While the majority of teachers did not believe those between 13 and 15 years got intoxicated regularly, the survey found about 5 per cent believed more than 60 per cent of their pupils did.
Most of the respondents were concerned that pupils appeared to be drinking at such an early age, and regarded this as the most serious development of recent years.
The Teachers' Union of Ireland survey - completed by teachers in 277 second-level schools - found that teachers support the introduction of a compulsory identification card scheme as the most effective way to deal with problem.
Some 95 per cent of teachers believed young people drink because of peer pressure, with availability of alcohol in places where young people gathered and curiosity surrounding drink also seen as contributory factors.
The majority of teachers said parents had the primary responsibility for tackling underage drinking, followed by publicans, off-licences and the Garda. Some 86 per cent said "making sure students have other interests" was the most effective way for schools to steer pupils away from alcohol.
The number of young people who drink in unsupervised places, such as parks, and in pubs and clubs was seen as either serious or very serious by 86 per cent of teachers. They were less worried about young people drinking in the presence of their parents.
The report's author, Ms Aoife Brinkley, noted: "It is interesting that teachers see themselves as having the least responsibility of the listed agencies and interested parties. This might have an effect on the implementation of alcohol education or alcohol policy in school".