Great Britain has been ranked number one in the world for child alcohol consumption.
More than half of children in England, Scotland and Wales have drunk alcohol by the age of 13, according to a report conducted in 44 countries and regions by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Also more than a third of boys (35%) and girls (34%) had drunk alcohol by the age of 11, and by 13, 57% of girls and 50% of boys in England had consumed alcohol.
In England the data revealed kids from higher-income families were more likely to have drunk alcohol than lower-income ones.
Research has shown the earlier children start drinking, the more serious a problem it can become when they are older.
Dr Hans Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe, said: “The widespread use of harmful substances among children in many countries across the European Region – and beyond – is a serious public health threat,”
“Considering that the brain continues to develop well into a person’s mid-20s, adolescents need to be protected from the effects of toxic and dangerous products. Unfortunately, children today are constantly exposed to targeted online marketing of harmful products, while popular culture, like video games, normalises them.”
A government spokesperson said: “The health advice is clear: smoking, vaping and underage drinking can be damaging for young people and their development. That is why there are age restrictions on the sale of these products.
