‘We learn nothing about it at school’

Christchurch high school student Braedon Edwards, 17, said he found it easy to access alcohol.

‘‘If I want it, I’ll get it. It’s more down to: do I want it, how much do I want? I don’t want to over-drink and you know, do something that I’ll regret in the morning, but it is easy,’’ he said.

Christchurch high school student Eva Truscott, 17, said alcohol was ‘‘one of the worst drugs’’ available.

‘‘I think they should [educate] in more depth about what actually happens when you’re drunk, and what goes on inside your body, inside your mind, and what the effects can be – internal, external, damaging other people as well.’’

Christchurch high school student Te Iwa Johnston, 18, said as an 18-year-old still attending high school she sometimes felt pressured to supply alcohol.

‘‘But I’m quite one with the law. I won’t do it, and my friends know that. Unfortunately they do go to other people.’’

She said young Kiwis were not well educated about the effects of alcohol.

‘‘Alcohol causes so much damage in people’s lives. We’re in school, not learning about it, and that is a big problem.’’

Christchurch high school student Keegan Low, 17, said being over 18 was no guarantee of responsible drinking.

‘‘I’ve gone into pubs where I’ve seen people go and have one jug and then go back for another three or four. And I’m like, ‘Really?’’