Parents should be mindful of their children’s alcohol consumption this summer.That is the message from three drug and alcohol-related organisations which have joined forces to curb the trend of underage drinking in Bermuda.Calling themselves the ‘Prevention Partners’, the group warned yesterday that the summertime is often a period of increased alcohol consumption among young people.Cathy Belvedere, executive director of Bermuda Sport Anti-Doping Authority, noted that a 2007 survey of 3,000 young people found that 70 percent of 15-year-olds had tried alcohol. The survey also revealed that alcohol consumption began, on average, at age 14 with some starting as early as age nine.She added that while her organisation usually focuses on the use of drugs in sport, she encouraged “all our stakeholders to be mindful of alcohol use and access for young people this summer”.Judith Burgess, executive director of Parents Resource Institute for Drug Education (PRIDE) Bermuda, referred to the same survey which she said demonstrated that underage drinking was a “major challenge” for the Island’s youth.Ms Burgess called on parents to be “aware of what is out there” as the summer is “a time for experimentation for many young people”.She also warned that the bottles of many alcoholic beverages closely resembled those of other drinks more suitable for children.Meanwhile Anthony Santucci, of CADA, announced the launch of a new summer alcohol awareness campaign.“In the summer there tends to be lots of parties, barbecues, and beaching. Adults consume alcohol during these events and store it in the home within easy access of children,” said Mr Santucci, chairman of the anti-drinking and driving association.“Our aim is to remind parents and other responsible adults that it is not okay to give alcohol to children and young people.”The organisation plans to send a card to every household detailing the importance of curbing underage drinking.