Do you think the warning labels on alcohol bottles are an effective deterrent to young people? Do you even notice these labels?
Well some arguments have been raised about whether the warning labels are effective at all following a study by researchers at Victoria’s Deakin University.
A recent article on Smh.com.au discussed the call for changes to alcohol warning systems which findings suggest are currently inadequate.
According to the Australian study headed by Deakin University’s Professor Peter Miller, warnings on alcoholic drinks do little to alter the behaviour of young drinkers.
While this is something we may all have assumed in the past, the study proves what some have long thought to be true.
The findings reveal that the current, optional warning system, overseen by DrinkWise, the industry-funded body was not effective. Professor Miller highlighted that this should not be something overseen by the alcohol industry itself but the government, whose responsibility it is to ensure the rights of the public.
Professor Miller explained,
“We need to be sure, as consumers, that our government are the people that are looking after our rights. We can’t trust the alcohol industry to supply us with information about alcohol. It’s as idiotic as doing it with tobacco,”
Geoff Munro, from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation called for action, saying that something needs to be done to address the societal harm linked to alcohol such as assaults, family violence and drink driving.
“Alcohol is a major health problem for Australian society. It does enormous damage,” he said. “It is responsible for 5,500 deaths each year and alcohol puts 170,000 Australians into hospital each year for either acute or chronic problems.
The study involved 40 Deakin University students aged between 18 and 25. Researchers showed them images of the warnings and the alcohol labelling with the warnings present. The students themselves labelled the warnings as “ineffective” and even questioned whether DrinkWise was decreasing the visibility of the labels on purpose.
For more visit http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/study-sparks-call-to-change-alcohol-warning-system-20170903-gy9wx6.html