Drinking at discos, fetes, events and sports games on school grounds is concerning a number of parents, who are turning to the Australian Drug Foundation for help.

The ADF says it has received a number of emails from concerned parents who object to adults being allowed to drink at school events, particularly when young children are present.

Geoff Munro, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Australian Drug Foundation, said he can empathise with the parents because the focus on children's events on school grounds should be on the children, not alcohol.

"On one hand adults complain about underage drinking, yet we show children we need a drink when we attend children's functions at school. If we are serious about reducing pressure on young people to drink, we have to set an example. We have to show our children we can enjoy ourselves without it," he said.

Mr Munro added that drinking on school grounds undermines the alcohol education programs for young people in schools.
"Schools are doing a good job of educating young people about the risks of underage drinking. Recently, the Victorian Department of Education's Year 8 and 9 drug and alcohol education program, known as 'DEVS', won a national drug prevention award," he said.

This week, the ADF will write to the Department of Education and independent schools to offer its assistance in developing alcohol management strategies and policies.

"Research shows it's best for young people to avoid drinking until 18. To give our young people the best possible start in life, we need to take a look at our own drinking and start setting the example," he said.

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