TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan convened international experts Friday (Sept. 19) to combat rising alcohol addiction among youth. Representatives from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan discussed prevention policies at the conference. The meeting addressed public health concerns as over 70% of Taiwanese high schoolers have consumed alcohol.
Chun-Kai Fang (方俊凱), director of the Taiwan Alcohol Abstinence and Addiction Prevention Center, revealed alarming underage drinking statistics. He reported 72.8% of high school students aged 15 to 18 and 49.7% of junior high students aged 12 to 15 have consumed alcohol. Fang recommended individuals under 25 avoid alcohol due to incomplete brain development.
Lian-Yu Chen (陳亮妤), director of the National Health Insurance Administration, Taiwan's universal healthcare system, highlighted alcohol's devastating health impact. Chen stated alcohol costs the national health system NT$53 billion (around US$1.77 billion) annually. This financial strain underscores the urgent need for effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Chen Po-hsi (陳柏熹), director of the Department of Mental Health, emphasized providing alternatives like sports and cultural activities to reduce underage drinking. He noted urbanization and socioeconomic advancement have narrowed the gender gap in alcohol consumption. Women, particularly university graduates and white-collar professionals, increasingly consume alcohol.