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Are changes in binge drinking among European adolescents driven by changes in computer gaming?
Torleif Halkjelsvik1, Geir S Brunborg1, Elin K Bye1
1Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
Drug and Alcohol Review
|December 14, 2020
Summary
Increased computer gaming does not explain the decline in adolescent binge drinking. This study found no negative correlation between gaming and drinking behaviors in European youth. Other activities, like going out, showed a stronger association.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescent binge drinking has declined in some Western countries, but the reasons remain unclear.
- Computer gaming's rise presents a potential alternative leisure activity for adolescents.
- This study investigates if increased computer gaming explains reduced adolescent binge drinking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that increased computer gaming frequency is negatively correlated with adolescent binge drinking.
- To analyze country-level and within-country changes in these behaviors over time.
- To identify factors associated with changes in adolescent drinking patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 517,794 adolescents (aged 15-16) across European countries (1995-2015) from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Drugs.
- Regressed binge drinking frequency on computer gaming frequency, controlling for other hobbies, reading, and social outings.
- Conducted secondary analyses on six Nordic countries with reported declines in adolescent drinking.
Main Results:
- No significant negative association was found between computer gaming frequency and adolescent binge drinking (b=0.26, P=0.98).
- Descriptive data indicated no uniform decline in binge drinking across all European countries.
- Engagement in social outings (e.g., discos, cafes) showed a statistically significant association with adolescent drinking patterns.
Conclusions:
- Increased computer gaming is unlikely to be the primary driver behind the observed declines in adolescent binge drinking.
- The decline in adolescent binge drinking is not a universal phenomenon across Europe.
- Social activities outside the home appear to have a more significant impact on adolescent drinking behaviors than computer gaming.
Keywords:
EuropeEuropean School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugadolescent drinkingcomputer gamingyouth cultureMore Related Videos
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