PARENTS are being urged to have a frank conversation with their teenage children about boozing over Christmas.

Youths are likely to be offered a tipple or two over the festive season, but how do you intervene if their drinking is becoming a problem - without damaging your relationship?

Family and relationship experts Relate Taunton and West Somerset have released tips on talking to teenagers about underage drinking.

Family counsellor Denise Knowles said binge drinking among young adults has declined in recent years, although the organisation still hears from parents worried about their teenager's drinking.

Somerset County Gazette:

Denise Knowles.

She added: "Underage drinking can have a huge impact on teenager’s lives.

"Not only are young people who drink regularly at risk of liver damage, but alcohol can also affect their mental health, sexual behaviour and achievement in the classroom.

“Lots of parents have concerns about their teenagers and alcohol but find it difficult to communicate effectively, which can put the relationship under strain.

"The truth is it’s never too early or too late to have an open conversation about drinking and to lay down some ground rules."

Parents are recommended to talk openly and honestly with their children about the risks associated with alcohol.

Other tips include: *Put rules in place - sit down with your teen and agree some boundaries together.

*If your teen does come home drunk, wait until they have sobered up before talking about it. They are unlikely to be able to think clearly under the influence and the conversation would probably end in an argument.

*If they’ve been drinking, explain why you’re upset or concerned - tell them that you really love and care about them and you’re scared for their safety when they drink.

*Avoid adopting a blaming position. Reflect on your own experiences of alcohol as a teenager.

*Bear in mind your responsibility as a role model when it comes to your own drinking.

*Get professional support - if you think that your teenager has an alcohol addiction, contact a trained counsellor via the Live Chat service on the Relate website www.relate.org.uk or check for local alcohol services on www.alcoholconcern.org.uk You can call Relate Taunton and West Somerset 0300-7729682.