Hansard

I am not clear on whether we are able to do that. Having heard the chief medical officer talk about the issue this morning, I understand that the report includes the very first figures on minimum unit pricing, and we will certainly have to compare data year on year.

I am pretty sure that more figures are coming out in September. If that is incorrect—the member will be aware that I am covering for the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing—I will let the member know.

I turn to the attractiveness of alcohol. Like other members, I am shocked by the sheer volume of alcohol marketing that children experience. The University of Stirling survey that is referenced in the motion found that half of the young people surveyed had seen at least 32 instances of alcohol marketing in a month, which is at least one a day. That is simply too high.

It is clear that the current self-regulatory system for advertising is not providing adequate protection. Many of our European neighbours already have a stronger approach, and Ireland will introduce mandatory restrictions from November.

Our new alcohol framework contains two significant actions on alcohol marketing: to press the UK Government to restrict television and cinema advertising of alcohol; and to consult on a range of measures, including mandatory restrictions on alcohol marketing that are within our devolved powers.

We know that children still spend large amounts of time watching television, on which alcohol adverts are aired prior to 9 pm. Regrettably, powers over TV advertising are outwith the control of this Parliament. If Westminster remains unwilling to act, we will press for the relevant powers to be devolved. However, we can take action on other forms of advertising that are within our devolved powers.

When children and young people travel around their local areas, they are exposed to alcohol adverts on billboards, bus shelters and digital screens. The University of Stirling research demonstrates that a quarter of young people see alcohol billboards weekly.

We also recognise that the marketing landscape has changed substantially, with the increasing prevalence of the internet and social media usage. Digital marketing often utilises new, more interactive methods. Our young people are particularly exposed, as they spend more time online and are more likely to be active on social media.

Young people grow up in a digital world and face a new set of pressures. I have seen the effects that that can have in my own portfolio. We know that social media can have negative impacts on young people’s emotional wellbeing and that there are connections to other things such as body image and disrupted sleep.

I recently announced that we will co-produce advice on what healthy social media use looks like. It will be created by children and young people for children and young people. We are providing £90,000-worth of funding to make that happen. I am delighted that the successful applicants were the Scottish Youth Parliament and the Children’s Parliament.

In developing our proposals on alcohol marketing restrictions, we are similarly committed to co-designing with children and young people. Policy to protect young people should be developed with them, not imposed on them.

Turning to alcohol sponsorship of events, I join other members in applauding Scottish Women’s Football as an exemplar for pledging not to accept alcohol sponsorship.

Marketing is a diverse area, with many views and impacts to consider, and we will engage with all interested stakeholders and take their views into account.

I am very encouraged by the consensus in the chamber this evening on protecting our children and young people from alcohol advertising. I know that all the party leaders have signed Alcohol Focus Scotland’s pledge for an alcohol-free childhood. The Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing will welcome further discussions with members as our proposals are being developed.