When it comes to underage drinking, how often a teenager drinks rather than how much they drink has been found to be a bigger indicator of problems later in life.

According to a new study, teens who drink at least weekly before the age 17 are up to three times more likely to binge, drink-drive, and be dependent on alcohol in adulthood, the Herald Sun reports.

The study spans across 17 years and looks at 9000 young Australians between the ages of 13 to 30.

Professors involved in the study say it really challenges the notion of parents giving their children alcohol during their teenage years could set them up to sensibly consume alcohol later in life.

– 9news

Read more: Teen Drinkers More Likely to Battle Alcohol Abuse in Adulthood

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