A national survey provides updated information on alcohol consumption among Chinese adolescents, identifying patterns by age, gender, and region. The study indicates a significant proportion of middle and high school students have consumed alcohol, with many initiating drinking at an early age. While severe intoxication is less common than alcohol use, differences exist across sex, residence, and geographical areas. These findings suggest that underage drinking remains a widespread public health issue, indicating a need for targeted prevention strategies addressing early exposure, social contexts of drinking, and vulnerable subgroups.
Alcohol use during adolescence occurs during a critical stage of development and is associated with injuries, risk behaviors, impaired learning, and long-term health outcomes. Previous national data on adolescent drinking in China had been limited. Researchers from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and collaborating institutions published findings in the World Journal of Pediatrics in December 2025. The study analyzed data from a nationally representative school-based survey conducted in 2021, examining alcohol use among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years across mainland China.
Key Findings
- An estimated 44.1% of students reported consuming alcohol at least once.
- 32.7% reported drinking in the past year, and 11.2% in the past month.
- Drunkenness was reported by 12.1% over a lifetime and 1.6% in the past month.
- Boys reported higher levels of drinking and intoxication compared to girls.
- Nearly one-third of students reported initiating alcohol use at age 13 or younger, with almost 7% experiencing drunkenness at an early age.
- Drinking prevalence increased with school grade.
- Geographic disparities were observed, with higher levels of drinking and drunkenness in rural areas and regions such as Central and Southwest China.
- Beer and wine were the most commonly consumed beverages.
- Adolescent drinking often occurred in family settings and private homes, frequently without strong emotional motives.
Implications and Recommendations
Researchers stated that underage drinking is a widespread and socially embedded behavior. They noted that early initiation and persistent exposure continue to present long-term risks. The findings highlight the influence of parental factors, family environments, and social norms on adolescent drinking behaviors. Prevention efforts may need to address broader cultural and environmental factors that normalize alcohol use among young people, moving beyond individual education.
The study's results offer evidence for public health policy and prevention programs in China. By identifying early initiation, family-centered drinking occasions, and regional disparities, opportunities for intervention are suggested. Strengthening parental guidance, improving enforcement of age restrictions, and tailoring strategies to high-risk regions and rural communities could reduce early alcohol exposure. The findings support the need for sustained national monitoring and culturally sensitive prevention efforts to address adolescent alcohol use.