The Department of Health launched a publicity campaign today to combat underage drinking.
It features a public interest announcement with "Protect Young People from Harm, Say No to Alcohol" as its theme.
Centre for Health Protection Surveillance & Epidemiology Branch Head Dr Regina Ching said drinking is beginning at younger ages in Hong Kong.
She said people who drink when they are young are more likely to develop alcohol dependence.
A department survey in the 2015-16 school year found 3.4% of Primary 4 students had tried binge-drinking, which is five or more glasses or cans of alcohol on one occasion. It also found 1.2% of respondents binge-drink at least once a month. The figures for Secondary 6 students are 12.1% and 2%.
As adolescents' brains are developing, they are more vulnerable to the physical, social and mental harms of alcohol, Dr Ching said, adding society should protect young people from drinking.
She said the department will work closely with stakeholders and school partners to organise seminars and deliver health education materials to encourage an alcohol-free community.
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