Pubs are closing at an incredible rate at the moment and if you visit the ones that are open, you’ll often find there’s a real absence of something – young people. Yes, pub culture doesn’t appear to appeal to youngsters anymore, and a big reason for that is the shunning of alcohol.
A report by the BBC a few years ago found that Gen Zers really are growing up sober curious, with those aged 16 to 25 most likely to be teetotal, with over a quarter now not drinking.
It’s a significant attitude shift, and it’s interesting to understand why exactly that is happening. The truth is, a number of reasons…
Health Consciousness
As a society we’re more health conscious than ever before and understanding what alcohol can do to our physical health is a big reason people are giving it up. Visit a pub on Friday evening in a local area and then go to a gym and you’ll get a good idea of where priorities lie when it comes to physical health among young people.
Students and young people are becoming increasingly wary of booze, particularly when it comes to weight gain and maintaining an “Insta-perfect” image. They’re embracing healthier lifestyles and that simply doesn’t involve drinking pints.
Financial Pressures
Of course, there’s the financial burden of drinking too, particularly for students. With the rising accommodation costs and tuition fees, not to mention the general cost of living, everyone’s having to reassess their spending habits. While nights as a student revolved around bars and clubs, it’s become an unnecessary expense and youngsters are now seeking more affordable alternatives.
That can involve more nights at home or the rise of gaming, which is seeing more people stay home and log-on.
Ultimately, with the cost of living going up, and the price of alcohol, it’s simply become a less affordable hobby.
Social Shifts
As mentioned, you’re more likely to see a young person staying at home gaming these days, and that’s a sign of the social shifts over recent years. Millennials were perhaps the last generation to meet up at the pub to socialise and catch up, where now with social media platforms and online gaming, these have become virtual hangouts that offer alternative avenues for connecting with friends.
Mental Health Awareness
More young people are suffering than ever before with their mental health, seeking out counsellors and professionals for support. The destigmatisation of mental health is meaning more people reach out about their problems rather than turn to the bottle, while at the same time they’re much more aware that alcohol isn’t a healthy copy mechanism.
They’re aware of the dangers it can have, with so many people before them having to seek alcohol rehab as a result of their drinking as a youngster spiralling out of control and causing further mental health problems. This shift is naturally only going to benefit young people in the long run and can help the nation recover during a period where more people are struggling with alcohol addiction than ever before.
Cultural Changes
Finally, societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption are changing. Where once a booze up at the weekend or a glass of prosecco with the girls was glorified, that’s changing with more nuanced narratives that emphasise moderation and balance. As a result of this, less pressure is being put on young people and students to drink, allowing them to evaluate their relationship more effectively with alcohol and question the social norms.
This is having a huge impact on the number of people who are ditching alcohol and ultimately contributing to a healthier generation of youngsters.
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