Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC holds the view that a nation that takes care of its youth ensures a better future, not only for the youth, but for the country as a whole. We thus welcome the launch of the integrated strategy by the Department of Trade and Industry, SA Breweries and the National Youth Development Agency to solve the problem of underage drinking. The campaign, which is called "You Decide", was launched in Durban and targets drinking by children under the age of 18, although it can also be extended to include those who are 21 years of age.
Statistics show that 25% of teenagers drink because they are bored, while about 45% drink because they are depressed. Whatever the cause, it is a ticking time bomb and extremely dangerous.
There is a high number of teenagers seeking help at crisis centres, clinics and police stations for, amongst other things, sexual violence, physical abuse, STDs and pregnancies, most of which occurred while they were drinking. An integrated solution, which must involve parents, schools and the youth, is therefore encouraged. I thank you.