Advocates caution that ‘Big Alcohol’ is using children’s data for profit

To address the risks associated with alcohol use among minors, experts have suggested regulatory changes. These changes include banning alcohol advertisements aimed at children and limiting the use of children’s data for marketing. During a Senate Committee meeting on the impact of alcohol and drugs on the health of Australians, experts emphasized the need for these regulatory measures.

Experts highlighted the increasing exposure of children to alcohol advertising on social media platforms without proper regulatory measures in place to prevent it. Erin Lalor AM, CEO of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, emphasized the urgency of regulating the data collection of children and vulnerable groups by the alcohol industry.

Additionally, the proliferation of online alcohol delivery services poses a significant risk to minors, as they are increasingly targeted by alcohol marketing.

Statistics on Alcohol Exposure

Lalor stated that alcohol remains a leading cause of disease and injury in Australia, with social costs amounting to approximately $75 billion each year.

Dr. Elizabeth Moore, president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, noted that alcohol is a non-specific carcinogen.

“It increases your rates of all of the common cancers,” she mentioned.

Experts revealed that, as per current trends, many children are already predisposed to risky drinking behaviors by the time they reach the legal drinking age of 18. Recent findings before the Senate Committee have shown a significant increase in alcohol consumption among young women aged 18 to 24, indicating a concerning deviation from previously established patterns.

This demographic is now consuming alcohol in substantial amounts, narrowing the gap that once existed between genders. Lalor stated, “There is no difference in illicit drug use between those two genders where there used to be.”

“By the time they turn 18, there is a significant effort by the industry to prepare them to purchase their product and then engage in targeted marketing to convert them into customers.”

The Role of Marketing in Alcohol Consumption

Experts shared research suggesting that exposure to non-alcoholic branding associated with popular brands could affect children’s likelihood of consuming alcohol in the future. Lalor cautioned that marketing plays a critical role in shaping the drinking behaviors of young individuals.

She emphasized the importance of effective prevention programs to delay alcohol initiation, allowing children’s brains to develop in a healthier setting.

“The earlier someone starts drinking alcohol under the age of 18, the higher the risk of developing alcohol dependence issues later in life,” she stated.

Online Alcohol Delivery: A Regulatory Blind Spot

The expansion of online alcohol delivery services through platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats has complicated traditional regulatory measures. Many bottle shops are reportedly allowing these services to use their licenses, bypassing established regulations intended to regulate alcohol distribution.

Advocates are concerned about research that shows online delivery services facilitating prolonged drinking sessions, especially among intoxicated individuals.

Robert Taylor, Policy and Engagement Manager at the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, said, “We have a licensing system for alcohol that was structured around physical premises, but now we have a method of access and availability that undermines all of that.”

The growth of online alcohol delivery services has surged in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lalor added that now, every phone could potentially act as a bottle shop.

Taylor mentioned that this shift circumvents many safeguards, including age verification and assessments of intoxication.

In response, advocates are recommending reforms such as a “safety pause” for alcohol deliveries, delaying orders for at least 30 minutes. This measure aims to reduce the risk of intoxication and related incidents like domestic violence.

Current regulations do not track vital information such as the identity of delivery personnel and the quantities of alcohol being delivered.

Taylor highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding alcohol deliveries, underscoring the urgent need for reform.

Support Initiatives and Stigma

Initiatives like the “Path to Help” program offer anonymous online support to individuals seeking help outside of detox and rehab services. The program garners over 220,000 visitors annually and provides resources based on risk profiles.

However, misconceptions about substance use can hinder effective help-seeking behaviors.

Lalor pointed out that stigma and public perception can greatly delay individuals from seeking assistance.

“The perception that you don’t have an alcohol problem until you’re someone drinking alcohol from a brown paper bag in a dim part of the city—those stories really delay the process of seeking help,” she remarked.