Teenage drinking may be more problematic than we originally thought, with new research showing that it could lead to alcohol abuse problems in adulthood.

Many parents believe they are helping their kids by giving them alcohol, instead of them sneaking around with friends and drinking but the study of more than 9000 young people found that for those under 17, who drank each week had an increased chance of binge drinking, drink driving and alcohol dependence.

These researchers also believe we need to rethink the perceptions we have of when people should start drinking.

Find out more http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/teen-drinking-alcohol-problems-adulthood/9998060