An epidemic of underage boozing has prompted a police warning to parents in the Forth Valley.
They also urged relatives not to buy teenagers alcohol in the mistaken belief they are helping them become responsible drinkers. The message follows several instances where young teenage girls were found drunk and in a dishevelled state.
Recently a 13-year-old girl was found slouched against a wall in Stirling city centre by officers on routine patrols. The girl was in such a state that police called for an ambulance which took her to Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert.
In Falkirk a 15-year-old girl had an adverse reaction to the alcohol she had consumed while in a park, causing her to be violently sick and collapse. Her friends called for an ambulance which took her to hospital.
A 12-year-old girl was also found unresponsive by community wardens in Clackmannanshire. She had been sick due to the quantity of alcohol she had drunk.
An ambulance was called and she was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
Chief Superintendent Davie Flynn, Forth Valley Divisional Commander, said: “These girls have been found so drunk they have no idea where they were or what they had been doing. They are leaving themselves more exposed to being a victim of crime through their consumption of alcohol.
“This isn’t about young people drinking a small amount of alcohol socially it is about them drinking so much to excess that they are unable to look after themselves and putting themselves at risk.”
Test purchases in the area suggest that underage children are being refused alcohol in shops.
Chief Superintendent Flynn said: “This would then strongly suggest that adults are providing alcohol to those under age.
“It may well be done by parents with the best of intentions of teaching their children responsible drinking by giving them a couple of bottles of beer or alcopops for a party.
“But what some parents are failing to realise is that by the time their children get to the party, these bottles have multiplied by everyone else adding to the available alcohol and there can be rogue bottles of vodka and whisky added to it.
“Parents may think they are doing the right thing but Scotland’s relationship with alcohol is such that some young people think they have to go out and get so drunk they can’t look after themselves.
“I would urge parents not to supply their children with alcohol and if your child comes home drunk or smelling of drink, then call the police,” he added.
“This is about keeping young people safe and making sure that they don’t become a victim of crime.”
Elaine Lawlor, Forth Valley Alcohol and Drug Coordinator, said alchol has a greater effect on growing children.
“There is a very good reason why it states 18 on the label of alcohol bottles,” Ms Lawlor said.
“The same amount of alcohol will have a much greater effect on the body of a child or young person than on an adult, because their bodies are still growing and developing.
“Young people do not have the experience needed to deal with the effects of alcohol on judgement and perception.”