Krasnoyarsk residents were told why they shouldn’t let children try champagne on New Year’s Day

Even a small sip of champagne on New Year's Eve can be dangerous for children, warns Ural Meridian.

Experts believe that drinking alcohol during a family feast, when the whole family gets together, is beginning to be perceived as the norm. This leads to the fact that tradition can lead to long-term consequences.

A large-scale study showed that in Russia the share of young people drinking alcohol has halved over the past 15 years.

“The influence of parents in this matter is enormous. The key conclusion of scientists is clear: in a family where parents regularly drink alcohol, children begin to drink many times more often. If in non-drinking families teenagers try alcohol much less often, then in homes where both parents drink, this probability for teenagers 14-17 years old is 2-3 times higher. It is especially alarming when parents not only drink, but abuse it. In such an environment, the child practically does not form a protective barrier – drinking alcohol begins to be perceived as the norm,” — present research data in the publication.

Experts advise that instead of spending hours at a feast, spend the New Year actively in the fresh air, focusing on communication, games and watching movies together. Instead of alcohol, everyone should choose non-alcoholic cocktails and fruit drinks.