THE UK is a nation of drinkers.

We love our pubs and enjoy a glass of wine or too and it's almost impossible to move at the moment without running into a gin selection.

To children it may seem like a normal part of adult life and one they want to join in with. So what are the risks around children drinking?

The NHS says alcohol can damage a child's health, even if they're 15 or older. It can affect the normal development of vital organs and functions, including the brain, liver, bones and hormones.

Drinking before age 14 is associated with increased health risks, including alcohol-related injuries, involvement in violence, and suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Drinking at an early age is also associated with risky behaviour, such as violence, having more sexual partners, pregnancy, using drugs, employment problems and drink driving.

Parents should are advised by the NHS that their children should not drink before 15.

If 15 to 17 year olds drink alcohol, it should be rarely, and never more than once a week. They should always be supervised.

The NHS advises parents to talk to their children about drinking and make it clear to them that they disapprove. Parents should do this calmly to avoid causing an argument and make it clear they will be there to answer any questions or offer help and support.

Children should also be told about the dangers of drinking alcohol and how it can lead to doing something they later regret, such as having unprotected sex, getting into fights or drink driving.

The NHS says parents should warn children about the dangers of drink spiking and encourage moderation ­— eating before drinking and having a soft drink like Coca-Cola or water between alcoholic drinks.

It is illegal to give alcohol to a child under five.