Young Australians drinking more during COVID lockdowns compared with older generations

Young Australians have developed some unhealthy habits during the COVID period, including drinking more alcohol than usual.

A bartender poors a beer while wearing personal protective wear at BrewDog Tower Hill. Picture: Getty Images

Young Australians say they have been drinking significantly more alcohol than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic, more so than older generations, and are being encouraged to curb the new habit.

Data from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation has revealed 41 per cent of Australians aged between 18 and 34 reported drinking more than usual during the COVID-19 lockdown, compared to 29 per cent of middle-aged Australians and 13 per cent of people aged over 55.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation spokeswoman Laura ­Bajurny said the increase in ­alcohol consumption was a ­result of a combination of “boredom” and an “undercurrent of uncertainty” about the future.

According to the data, 46 per cent of the 18-34-year-olds said their increased drinking was ­because they had more free time. Other reasons included stress and anxiety (34 per cent), boredom (30 per cent) and having fewer responsibilities (30 per cent).

Ms Bajurny said millennials and generation Z were more likely to feel concerned about their drinking habits because they had “high levels of health literacy”.