One in four students say alcohol dominates their school life

Nearly one in four students at upper-secondary schools across the country believe alcohol plays too large a role in their school and student life, according to a survey by the Danish Cancer Society reported by DR.

Valentina Inzunza Pedersen, a third-year student at Midtfyns Gymnasium, an upper-secondary school in Ringe on Funen, said alcohol was closely linked to school events, nights out and private parties.

“It creates a kind of pressure because it becomes such a large part of our lives and everyday routine,” she said.

Her classmate Tobias Bjørn Pedersen said students could feel pressured to drink in order to fit into the social community. He said more than half of those who responded to the survey had experienced pressure to drink more than they wanted.

“It is a large community that you want to be part of when you attend upper-secondary school, and it is often centred around parties and nights out at the weekend,” he said.

Midtfyns Gymnasium has responded by creating an alcohol-free lounge at school parties. The space, established three years ago next to the dance floor and stage, allows students to take a break, play board games and socialise without alcohol.

“We could sense that students needed a place where they did not necessarily have to drink alcohol and where they could retreat for a while,” said principal Katrine Nørskov Werngreen.

The survey also found that 78 per cent of respondents believe it is perfectly possible to enjoy parties without alcohol.