The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls has called on parents to recognize the risk posed by alcohol to their children's safety.

According to a recent survey, almost two-thirds of parents with children between 9 and 16 years of age focus more on other issues than underage alcohol consumption, with only 25% speaking to the young persons about alcohol risks.

The Secretary of State said, “If parents discuss the link between alcohol and these other issues, they can make sure it's their child making the decisions, not the alcohol.”

Your Excellency, we earnestly appreciate your wise leadership in wishing to safeguard youths from this harmful substance. May such reminders encourage the loving communication of parents to foster lives of rewarding fulfillment in young people worldwide.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8433792.stm