A New landmark study has revealed that one in three SA teens have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives—highlighting a troubling trend in youth behavior that contrasts with global patterns. The research, conducted by the Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education (Aware.org), sheds light on the early exposure to alcohol among South African teenagers and the urgent need for targeted interventions.
The study combined both online and face-to-face methods, surveying over one thousand young people across various regions of the country. The findings were concerning: 12% of online respondents and 25% of those interviewed in person admitted to drinking alcohol regularly. These statistics are particularly striking when viewed against global trends, which indicate a decline in teenage alcohol use in many other parts of the world.
According to Aware.org CEO Mokebe Thulo, South Africa is not keeping pace with these positive international shifts. “The reality on the ground in South Africa, in our backyards, is a little different,” Thulo explained. “We know that we tend to lag behind global trends, but we hope that we’ll soon start to catch up.”
The Reality Facing SA Teens
The survey results paint a sobering picture of the environment many SA teens are growing up in—communities where alcohol is often easily accessible and where cultural norms around drinking are more relaxed. This reality complicates efforts to reduce youth alcohol consumption, as prevention campaigns must navigate a complex social landscape.
Thulo emphasized the importance of creating nuanced and targeted messaging when designing educational programs and public awareness campaigns. “You do have to be very nuanced about your messaging,” he said. “You need to understand what particular age group you’re addressing. In some cases, you have to differentiate between genders, depending on the unique experiences of these young people.”
Such considerations are critical in a country as diverse as South Africa, where the challenges facing a teen in a rural village may be vastly different from those confronting a teen in an urban township. Socioeconomic status, peer pressure, family dynamics, and even traditional rites of passage can all influence a teen’s exposure to alcohol.
Health experts warn that early alcohol use among teens can have long-term consequences. Adolescents who begin drinking at a young age are more likely to develop substance use disorders later in life, experience academic difficulties, and engage in risky behavior such as unsafe sex or drunk driving.
For SA teens, these risks are further exacerbated by limited access to mental health care, underfunded education systems, and communities where alcohol abuse is already prevalent. In this context, prevention becomes not just a health issue, but a social and economic imperative.
Community-Centered Prevention Strategies
To combat the growing problem, Aware.org is advocating for community-centered strategies that involve schools, parents, and local leaders. Thulo noted that collaboration is key to creating lasting change. “It’s not just about telling young people not to drink,” he said. “It’s about empowering them with knowledge, giving them alternatives, and involving the people who influence them every day—teachers, caregivers, and even religious leaders.”
Programs that have shown promise include peer-led initiatives, after-school clubs focused on sports or the arts, and social media campaigns that resonate with the youth. Importantly, these interventions must be tailored to reflect the lived realities of SA teens and speak directly to their challenges and aspirations.
While there are regulations in place to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors, enforcement remains a challenge in many parts of the country. Underage drinking often occurs in informal settings where rules are either ignored or not applicable. Experts argue that stronger enforcement must go hand-in-hand with education and community involvement.
Moreover, policymakers are being urged to look beyond punitive measures and consider holistic approaches that address the root causes of underage drinking—poverty, lack of recreational opportunities, and inadequate life skills education.
The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call for stakeholders across the country. If South Africa is to align with global progress on reducing teen alcohol use, it must invest in robust, culturally sensitive, and age-appropriate interventions. More importantly, these efforts must be sustained and supported at all levels—from government institutions to grassroots organizations.
The future of SA teens depends not just on curbing underage drinking, but on creating environments where they can thrive without relying on substances to cope, connect, or escape.
Soure- EWN