LONDON — One in four 16 to 30 year olds in Britain don’t drink alcohol at all, according to a new report from Channel 4 News.

They say they prefer to stay in and chat on the Internet than go out drinking, citing social media, health and fitness concerns and religious beliefs as influencing factors in ditching the drink. Their grandparents’ generation, however, are much more partial to a tipple.

The poll, conducted by Comres in September, spoke to 1,119 British people in both the under 30 and over 60 age groups, focusing on the number of days drinking per week, attitudes towards and perceptions of alcohol, and factors preventing people from hitting the bottle.

40% of the 16 to 30 year olds thought it was embarrassing when someone their age gets really drunk and some cast judgement on their parents’ and grandparents’ habits.

“Adults don’t realise how much they’re drinking,” 17-year-old Aysha told Channel 4 News.

The older generation were found to drink nearly twice as often as the under 30s, an average of 2.68 days of the previous week, compared to 1.36 days. 15% of the older generation admitted drinking every day (often with an evening meal) while just 1% of 16 to 30-year olds said the same.

The poll comes out the same week that doctors recommended adding calorie content labels to alcohol.

A competitive jobs market, student debt and the rising cost of living were all cited as reasons to abstain by young people. Social media sites, and the potential to see yourself battered and not looking your best on someone’s timeline, have also contributed.

Ten percent of young people cited religious beliefs as a reason not drink, compared to just 2% of over 60s, even saying that the beliefs of friends or family would influence them.

Perhaps they’ll be helping their elders home from the pub.

Image: Ktelontour

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.