Flemish teenagers drink far less despite binge drinking concerns

A survey of about 37,000 Flemish students aged 12 to 18 at 65 secondary schools found that young people are drinking considerably less alcohol. The Vlaams Expertisecentrum Alcohol en andere Drugs published these findings last week. Covering the 2024-2025 school year, the study points to a continuing long-term decline, despite concerns about binge drinking among teenagers.

Flemish teenagers are drinking considerably less alcohol than in the past, according to a study by the Vlaams Expertisecentrum Alcohol en andere Drugs (VAD). The findings point to a continued long-term decline in alcohol use among young people, although binge drinking remains a concern.

The study surveyed roughly 37,000 students aged 12 to 18 at 65 secondary schools during the 2024-2025 school year. VAD published the results last week, providing a broad overview of changing drinking habits among Flemish teenagers.

Long-term decline

The results suggest that the reduction in alcohol consumption is not a short-term change, but part of a continuous long-term trend among Flemish youth.

Binge drinking remains a concern

Despite the overall decline, VAD said binge drinking continues to be an issue. The study therefore points to both a broad shift away from alcohol and an ongoing concern about risky drinking among some teenagers.