The Netherlands: Worrying Alcohol coma rise among youngsters

Some 240 young teenagers have been hospitalised after drinking themselves into a coma so far this year, according to research coordinated by Twente University.

In 2000 just 30 children aged between 12 and 17 ended up in hospital.

‘This is an extremely worrying development which politicians can no longer avoid' said Wim van Dalen of the National Foundation for Alcohol Prevention.

Of those hospitalised, 47% are girls and one in seven is aged 13 or under. The problem cuts across the entire country and all social classes, the researchers said.